League leaders Colombe Sportive once again showcased their resilience, snatching a dramatic 1-0 victory away at a determined Aigle Royal du Moungo. In a tight encounter in Melong, it took an 88th-minute strike for Colombe to secure all three points, extending their lead at the summit to a formidable 44 points. Despite a strong showing from Aigle (23 points, 11th), Colombe's ability to grind out wins continues to define their championship credentials.
The chasing pack refused to give up, however, as Gazelle FC delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Union Douala 3-0 in Garoua. An early 2nd-minute goal set the tone, followed by a second-half blitz with strikes in the 62nd and 66th minutes. Gazelle's potent attack propelled them to 38 points, keeping them firmly in second place and breathing down Colombe's neck. Union Douala (16 points, 15th) will be deeply concerned as they remain entrenched in the relegation zone.
The race for the remaining top spots saw Coton Sport roar to a vital 2-0 victory over Stade Renard in Garoua. Second-half goals in the 67th and 88th minutes secured the win for Coton Sport, lifting them to 33 points in third place and leapfrogging Stade Renard (29 points, 6th) in the process. This result highlights Coton Sport's resurgence and their determination to challenge for continental qualification.
In a highly anticipated clash, Panthère and defending champions Victoria United played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Banjoun. Victoria United took the lead in the 29th minute, but Panthère responded in the 63rd minute to level the score. The draw sees Panthère move to 31 points (4th) and Victoria United to 28 points (7th), keeping both teams firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish.
Canon Yaoundé secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Fauve Azur Elite in Yaoundé. A 66th-minute goal proved to be the difference, lifting Canon to 30 points in fifth place and pushing them ahead of Stade Renard on goal difference. Fauve Azur (25 points, 8th) will be disappointed to leave empty-handed in a tight encounter.
The Mbouda derby between PWD Bamenda and Yong Sports Academy ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate. While neither team could find the winner, the single point is more valuable for Yong Sports (15 points, 16th) as they continue their fight against relegation. PWD (23 points, 10th) will feel they missed an opportunity to climb further up the table.
Finally, in a dramatic encounter, Fortuna Mfou snatched a stunning 2-1 away victory against Les Astres. After Les Astres took the lead in the 54th minute, Fortuna rallied with an equalizer in the 79th minute and then secured all three points with a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute. This crucial victory lifts Fortuna to 20 points (12th), providing a significant boost in their survival bid, while Les Astres (25 points, 9th) will be left to rue a late collapse.
The Relegation Battle Intensifies
The bottom of the table remains a cauldron of tension. Yong Sports Academy's point is valuable, but Dynamo de Douala (17 points, 13th) secured a massive victory over Bamboutos (17 points, 14th) with a 1-0 away win. These results mean just three points separate Fortuna Mfou in 12th from Yong Sports at the bottom, promising a thrilling and unpredictable fight for survival in the remaining fixtures.
Title Race Heats Up
At the top, Colombe's late winner keeps them in pole position, but Gazelle's emphatic victory ensures the gap remains manageable. Coton Sport's resurgence adds another layer of intrigue to the title race, while Panthère and Victoria United remain within striking distance.
Matchday 19 has delivered another captivating chapter in the MTN Elite One saga. The late drama, crucial victories, and tight battles across the league underscore why it is considered one of Africa's most challenging and entertaining competitions. With the title race and relegation battle finely balanced, fans can expect more twists and turns as the season reaches its climax. Stay locked into www.eliteone.cm for all the latest updates and exhilarating action!
