Ymele’s Double Sinks Unisport as Aigle Royal Claims Opening Day Honors
The 2025/2026 MTN Elite One season kicked off with a regional derby that saw Aigle Royal de la Menoua secure a 2-0 victory over Unisport du Haut-Nkam. Playing at the Bafang Municipal Stadium on Saturday, Aigle spoiled the homecoming for the Bafang faithful, proving why they are the team to watch following their promotion back to the top flight.
Match Analysis: The Ymele Show
After a tense and goalless first hour where both sides struggled to find a breakthrough, the match turned on its head in the final twenty minutes. The hero of the afternoon was undoubtedly Eden Creol Ymele, who continued his prolific scoring form from the previous season’s playoffs.
Ymele broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, silencing the home crowd with a well-taken strike that rewarded Aigle’s persistent pressure. As Unisport pushed forward in the dying moments searching for an equalizer, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. Ymele took full advantage, deep into stoppage time (90+4’), clinical finishing a counter-attack to seal his brace and the three points for the visitors.
Tactical Resolute
While Ymele grabbed the headlines with his goals, Aigle’s victory was built on a solid defensive foundation. New signings Rodrigue Ele Ebolo and goalkeeper Fansu—both recently arrived from AS Fortuna—were instrumental in keeping a clean sheet. Ele Ebolo’s physical presence in central defense thwarted Unisport’s aerial threats, while Fansu made several key interventions early in the match to keep the score level.
Impact and Standings
This opening day win puts Aigle Royal at the top of the early standings, a perfect start for coach Anicet Koung. For Unisport and their coach Laurent Djam, it is a sobering return to the Elite One. Despite the massive support at the Bafang Municipal Stadium, the team lacked the finishing touch required to compete at this level.
The defeat leaves Unisport with plenty of work to do before Matchday 2, while Aigle Royal heads back to Dschang with the confidence of a team ready to challenge the established order of Cameroonian football.
