US Abong-Mbang mark Elite One return after 27 years with dramatic Stade Renard draw

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

US Abong-Mbang marked their return to Cameroon’s top-flight championship after 27 years with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Stade Renard in the opening match of the 2026/27 MTN Elite One season at the Bertoua Departmental Stadium on Saturday.

The historic occasion ended in an entertaining contest, with Mvondo Mvondo scoring in the 90th minute plus three to rescue a point for US Abong-Mbang after the newcomers had twice fallen behind against Stade Renard.

Stade Renard made the brighter start, taking the lead in the eighth minute through Junior Landry Nkouam. US Abong-Mbang responded just before half-time, with Ziania Dewesse finding the net in the 45th minute plus two to restore parity.

The visitors regained the advantage six minutes after the restart when Etaka Aniah Tabort scored in the 51st minute. However, US Abong-Mbang refused to give up and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Mvondo Mvondo struck to secure a memorable point on their return to the elite division.

The draw provides US Abong-Mbang with an encouraging start to their long-awaited campaign, while Stade Renard will regret allowing victory to slip away in the closing moments.

Elite One Matchday One continues on Sunday

The opening fixture will be followed by the remaining matches of Matchday One on Sunday, October 18, as clubs across Cameroon begin their campaigns in the 2026/27 season.

The scheduled programme includes Coton Sport de Garoua against Canon Sportif de Yaoundé, Panthère Sportive du Ndé versus PWD Bamenda, Victoria United against Aigle Royal du Moungo, APEJES Academy versus Unisport du Haut-Nkam, and Dynamo de Douala against Aigle Royal de la Menoua.

The fixture between Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo and Gazelle FA has been postponed because of Colombe’s participation in the CAF Champions League.

Attention will now turn to Sunday’s encounters as the clubs seek to make a positive start to the new campaign, while US Abong-Mbang will take confidence from their resilience in a historic return to Cameroon’s top flight.