Gazelle, sitting in second place with 20 points, entered the match looking to bounce back from their shocking 1-2 loss to Bamboutos in the previous round. Known for their potent attacking play, Gazelle has scored a league-high 20 goals in 10 matches, and they came into this encounter eager to regain their offensive rhythm.
Meanwhile, Coton Sport, in third place with 19 points, had been in solid form, going unbeaten in their last five matches (3 wins, 2 draws). With a balanced approach that has seen them score 15 goals and concede just 8, they were intent on closing the gap to Gazelle and potentially moving into second place with a win.
The match began with both teams looking to impose themselves on the game, but it was Gazelle who struck first. In the 17th minute, a well-timed through ball split the Coton Sport defense, and Gazelle’s striker made no mistake in putting the hosts 1-0 up, much to the delight of the home fans. Gazelle’s attacking force, which had been so lethal throughout the season, looked sharp, and they seemed in control as they sought to extend their lead.
However, Coton Sport responded quickly. Just 10 minutes after Gazelle's opener, a clever corner kick found the head of Coton’s central defender, who powered the ball into the net to bring the visitors level at 1-1. The first half ended with both sides on even terms, but the momentum had begun to shift in Coton Sport's favor.
The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading goals in dramatic fashion. Gazelle regained the lead in the 54th minute when they capitalized on a defensive lapse from Coton Sport. A fast counterattack resulted in a clinical finish, putting the home side 2-1 ahead. But again, Coton Sport showed their resilience, equalizing just 10 minutes later with a brilliant strike from outside the box that flew past the Gazelle goalkeeper into the top corner.
With the score tied at 2-2, both teams pushed for the winner, and it was Gazelle who seemed to edge closer to taking all three points. In the 74th minute, a stunning header from a Gazelle winger off a perfectly floated cross put them ahead once more, making it 3-2. The home crowd erupted, but Coton Sport wasn’t finished yet.
With just 5 minutes remaining in regulation, Coton Sport mounted one final attack. Their persistence paid off when a scramble in the box led to a deflected shot that found its way into the back of the net, bringing the game to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Despite the late drama, neither team was able to secure the victory they so desperately needed. Gazelle’s attacking prowess was on full display, but their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in crucial moments. Coton Sport, while solid defensively for much of the match, showed their attacking capabilities and were clinical in converting their chances, especially in the second half.
The 3-3 draw leaves Gazelle still in second place, now with 21 points, while Coton Sport remains third with 20 points. Both sides will take positives from their attacking performances, but the result means they remain neck-and-neck in the battle for the top spots.
For Gazelle, the draw is a frustrating outcome as they were so close to bouncing back from their recent defeat, while Coton Sport will feel more satisfied with the result, especially as they were able to claw their way back into the game each time they were behind. With both teams looking strong offensively, the title race continues to heat up, and this thrilling draw sets the stage for more exciting encounters in the coming weeks.
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Coton Hold Gazelle in Six Goals Thriller
Gazelle Garoua and Coton Sport Garoua played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw at Roumde Adjia Stadium in a high-stakes encounter that had major implications for the top three of the MTN Elite One standings. Both teams were desperate for a win to solidify their position in the title race, and while neither side could claim victory, the six-goal thriller offered plenty of excitement and drama.
