SW regional league Opener: Fako United shines bright as opening day brings forth 8 goals

The south west regional championship got underway on Saturday March 9, with two games on the menu.

Two Kumba-based teams started the afternoon in a high scoring fixture, as 10-man Waspito drew square against Nkamanyi FI.

Waspito’s goalkeeper Obi Ashu took the long walk after shown a direct red, having handled the ball out of his area, in what looked a bizzare miscalculation of his trajectory.

Nkamanyi FI’s Ebai Junior stepped up from 21 yards to slot in for one-nil with a quarter of the game gone.

On the brink of the second half, Makia Jonathan equalised for Waspito, to set up a frantic second half.

Back from the locker room, Nkamanyi FI took the lead again courtesy Tambe Patrick.

Waspito showed heart as they chased the scoreline situation yet again. One minute after the hour mark, Ayuk Tankyi scored the equaliser as the game went on to end two-all.

The second match of the afternoon had Fako United take on Elecsport.

It had a great game written all over it at the start, when the pairing was done, and the game lived up to expectations.

Now coached by Njorku Barnabas, Elecsport started sharply and got a 3rd minute lead courtesy Rilwan after keeper, Ebanga spilled from a set piece.

Fako United responded with a quick through new-boy Mondoa Bright, back on the football field after a season long suspension.

Elecsport came into the match on a hot streak. The legendary club had not lost any pre season games, and the south west regional league opener was looking like just “another one” after a nicely taken finish by Mbi Christopher.

The “Njoku Boys” shot themselves in the foot when Cameroon international, Ewang Muabe was out receiving treatment, with Elecsport on the attack, in the build up to Elecsport’s second.

A few changes were made by the Fako United dugout and it paid dividends.

Few minutes after he was sent in, Ibrahim Musa angled the ball into the nets to draw Fako United level.

The 2022 Fako league champions took control from that moment and created half chances, but a third goal and possible match winner was illusive.

With the earlier stalemate on the day, Waspito and Nkamanyi move to a point each in group D.

Group B, equally considered to be a two-horse race, now has Fako United and Elecsport (group favorites) on a point each.