Cameroon cup: Heartbreak as Fovu deny Colombe maiden final
Randy Ntume Kwallar and Aleuko missed from the spot as Fovu won in dramatic fashion in the semi-final of the Cameroon cup (12 goals to 11) after one-all in regular playtime.
Fovu will thus play a fourth Cameroon cup final in their history; 2001, 2006, 2010 and most recently, 2023. Fovu play against PWD of Bamenda, victors against Stade Bandjoun earlier at lunch time (1:30), still, at the Bepanda Omnisport Annex 1 stadium.
Colombe aimed for a spot in the Cameroon cup for the first time while experienced Cameroon cup campaigners Fovu, aimed for a fourth final appearance prior to the game.
Much was at stake and it showed in the complexion of the game. The odds were stacked in favor of Fovu, but it was Colombe who started brightest.
Skipper, Joel Ebanda’s miss hit cross bamboozled Junior Mbandji and went in at the 6th minute for one-nil Colombe.
It was a stunning start for the men of Francois Desire Disso but Fovu took off the gloves right afterwards.
Armel Ngondji was a handful and threatened the defensive pair of Aleuko and Bisso all afternoon. The winger placed wide off Souleyman’s goal after a lovely give-and-go with Ikpeme at the 16th minute.
The winger was clean on goal again, one minute before the half hour mark. Frank Bekeng’s flicked header was angled agonizingly wide by Ngondji.
Colombe however steadied the ship and got themselves a couple of half chances before the break. Set piece specialist Beo Batto made Mbandji work from 30 yards out, with 6 minutes to the pose.
Fovu claimed penalty when Jeff Ngongang’s strike stroke Aleuko around his arm. Referee Dimonya Florent however waved it aside – at the cusp of halftime.
Fovu transferred the first half intensity to the second segment. Two minutes after the re-start, Arsene Mbe rose highest but couldn’t convert Jeff Ngongang’s inch perfect cross.
After loads of pressure, it was only academic that Fovu equalized.
The West side levelled matters at the 53rd minute after Palice Dzomene’s arrowed ball for Ngondji was matched by a low, true and perfectly placed drive into the net of Souleyman.
Back from where we started, Colombe traded cautiously and anticipated penalty kicks.
Fovu was rampant but Colombe stayed solid and avoided given away possession in the final third.
Serge Ledoux, Junior Rostand Mbai, Yves Ngangue and Didier Mayindu were thrown into the fray for Colombe given their good records from the spot.
Aleuko saw his attemp batted out by Mbandji, while Nkussi Le Grand missed for Fovu in the first 5-aside kicks. In sudden death, Randy Ntume missed as it ended 12-11 in favor of Fovu
