2021 Cameroon Cup Final – PWD vs Astres: The Journey

PWD of Bamenda stylized the Abakwa Boys are up against fellow Elite One foes Astres FC in a scintillating Cameroon cup final on March 13 at 3 pm.

The two sides are surging for the holy grail, as they have never laid hands on the piece of medal, but it didn’t just play to their arms.

It has been months of working, grinding and squeezing out results from teams around the country.

Coach David Pagou and his PWD side started their journey in the round of 32 against amateur side, Triomphe FC.

PWD brushed Triomphe FC aside through a 3-1 score line, before being paired with a relatively tougher side, in Canon of Yaounde.

The Abakwa Boys still managed victory, though, under a little more duress, as they leapfrogged Canon 1-0 at the Bamendzi stadium, in the 16th finals.

At the 8th finals, PWD went through the Renaissance FC huddle with a 2-1 score line, before dismissing Avion 2-0 in the Quarter finals, and mauling Union 3-0 in the semis.

Astres FC, coached by Anicet Mbarga Foe faced some tough contenders on their way to the top as well.

While football lovers had predicted a PWD against Cotonsport final, Astres had other ideas.

Les Astres wasn’t doing well in the league at the time the Cameroon Cup was launched mid – last year, but the Brazilians of Bapanda roared to the finale is some style.

Astres, just like PWD, started their course against an amateur side known as ‘One To One’

Astres staggered One to One 3-0 at the round of 32, before going on to batter Aigle 3-1 in round 16.

At the 8th round, Astres pitted a solid UMS side, but they scrambled through with a 2-1 victory.

The Quarter finals saw the three – times silver medalists in the competition go up against Options Sports, and with 10 men, Astres won 1-0.

The semis sent schock waves throughout the football fraternity. Astres defeated 16 times Elite one winners Cotonsport (3-2) at the Bertoua municipal stadium, to earn a right to fight again at the finals of the Cameroon cup.

Both sides will be playing their 6th and final game of the competition. One thing remains certain. The name of a new winner will be printed on this historic trophy that has seen the greatest of teams caress its handle for over 6 decades.