By Abongwa Darrion
Pool A of the Elite one champion enters match day 21 later today with five matches on program. With only three teams in the pool assured of their elite One Status and seeking a place in the play-off for the championship, the remaining eight teams are still uncertain of playing in the league next football season.
This leaves today’s matches crowded with high stakes, with every team gunning for the three points of the day which could decidedly change the tables. All matches kick off at the same time, 3:30 pm.
Cotonsport vs PWD Bamenda
First is the Coton Sport vs PWD Bamenda encounter at the Roumde Adja Stadium in Garoua. Catonsport on 30 points and in 3rd spot are hoping they can save their season with a win over the Abakwa Boys and please their demanding supporters by atleast making a run for the title by qualifying for the play-off. PWD on the other hand are on 22 points, at the 8th spot and just one point above the relegation zone. A defeat in Garoua could spell elite one doom for the 2020 champions and 2021 winners of the Cup of Cameroon.
Coach Bep and his boys arrived Garoua on Wednesday and have been fine turning strategies ahead of the match. PWD has never beaten Coton Sport in Garoua. PWD will need to create history in Garoua to improve their chances of remaining in the elite one league. That will mean beating Coton or atleast coming back with a result. PWD last three records shows one win, and two draws. Coton’s read 2 wins and one draw. Coach Bep Constatin meanwhile continues with his impressive run, winning two matches and drawing three since coming in.
Avion FC vs Djiko FC
Both teams currently stand in the relegation zone on 18 and 21 points respectively. Avion knows only a victory today will give them a chance to survive the drop. Anything less than that could spell disaster for Avion. The omen is not good for President Batamack and his charges, they take on Djiko at the back of two defeats to PWD (4-0) and Renaissance (1-2). Djiko FC has not won in their last three matches, 2 draws and a defeat. A draw in this match will be fair bounty for President Joseph Feutcheu
Canon vs Aigle.
The Mekok Megonda need the three points to pick up that playoff spot ahead of Cotonsport but standing on their Path is the experience Coach Pagou David and Aigle of the Menoua. Conon is 2nd on 32 points and Aigle 4th on 24 points. A draw maybe all that Aigle needs to stay out of trouble water. Canon is yet to lose a match in 2023, the greatest indication of their ambition to return to their former glorious days
Renaissance Vs Colombe
Renaissance has completely turn around the table in the second round. Renaissance has won all last three matches, a staggering nine points that has lifted them off the foot of the table. Colombe on its part has picked only one in a possible nine in their last three matches. That single point was in Garoua against Cotonsport. Failurre to pick a point against the rejuvenated Renaissance today would mean they have to negotiate their elite one status against Canon on the last day. What a tale that could be.
UMS vs Eding Sport
UMS are currently pool B leaders on 33 points and need just one more win to consolidate a playoff spot. Rather for Eding Sport this is a do or die encounter for them. On 23 points and at the 6th spot, this is Eding’s last match of the campaign. Defeat to UMS will ultimately leave their fate in others hands.
As things stand, there will also be huge pressure on the match officials as every bit of poor decision could decide the fate of any of these teams. The fans, the clubs officials, the coaches, the federation and the general public will all be watching.