Cameroon Cup: PWD make second final in 3 years after hard fought victory over Stade Bandjoun

PWD social club of Bamenda have sailed to its second Cameroon cup final in 3 years and a third since 1979 after defeating Stade Bandjoun 2-1 at the Omnisport Annex 1 stadium in Douala.

George Tanko gave the Abakwa Boys the lead but Suarez Patchou equalized for Stade Bandjoun, before Leonel Ateba’s tie breaker won the game from the spot.

PWD got off the mark quickly and didn’t waste any time to pile on pressure on Stade Bandjoun, bullying the west side and winning loose balls.

Indomitable lions international, Thomas Etta Bawak stroke just over Franklin Ekolle’s goal at the 6th minute of play.

Most of the first quarter was played in Stade Bandjoun’s half and PWD bossed the score board at the 18th minute.

James Tendoh with one of those trademark crosses from the right side, angled one for Tanko George whose initial header was parried, but the forward was quicker to slot in the second ball.

The early panic station had disappeared from Stade Bandjoun as they played with more confidence.

This year’s Cameroon cup surprise package equalized at the 24th minute through Suarez Patchou after the Abakwa Boys’ defence went to bed.

The scoreline stayed that way before both teams withdrew for halftime.

PWD started the second stanza just with a blueprint of how they started the first.

Two changes were made from the Abakwa Boys. Heka and Awamukala making their way to the patch.

The first sniff on goal in the second segment came at the 54th minute when George Tanko nearly turned provider. The forward’s cross was headed inches wide by Leonel Ateba.

At the 60th minute PWD poked their nosses in front again.

James Tendoh’s volley after Leonel Ateba’s cross was adjudged to be handled by the referee.

Leonel Ateba stepped up to convert on the hour mark as the Abakwa Boys regained advantage with 30 minutes left.

Coach Victor Kouahaina made a couple of changes that further impacted the game, bringing on Landry Yetchou and Joseph Kebel. A last minute chance fell for Stade in bonus time (90+5). Brian Nyaba lost the ball in a dangerous position; Ngakam’s cross fell for second half substitute Leon Apoka, but Bello stood big to make the save of the competition.

Despite enormous pressure, Stade Bandjoun bowed out, with the experience from PWD winning the game.

PWD will face the winner between Colombe or Fovu in the second game at the Stade Annex number 1, Bepanda.