PWD of Bamenda have lost to the defending champions Eding Sports of the Lekie on penalty shootouts by 3-5 in a game that had everything-in the Limbe Middle Farms stadium.
The two teams made their way to the round of 16’s with comfortable margins in the round of 32 against slightly inferior club’s, but this time there was meant to be fireworks when the two Elite 1 club’s were pitted against each other.
The game started in slow pace but suddenly burst into life at the 32 minute when skipper of the day for PWD Kagawa Mondi, slotted his penalty passed goal keeper Mbabi Marcelin after the ball was handled in the box.
The second half became even more eventful and enthusiastic for Eding. An on fire Koopit Mani took the ball into the area, and invited Michael Ojong Orock to an untimely tackle, causing a penalty that was taken and converted by himself to level matter’s.
The two teams became even more engaged in the battles for first and second balls. Second half substitute’s, Ngondo Dishono and Ako Assomo missed glaring chances midway through the second half and they almost were made to regret when some lovely ‘ticky-taka’ ended in the foot of Yong Nchang who converted for 2-1 at the 87th minute.
All and sundry seemed to be set for PWD to cause the offset but at the 91st minute, Burinyuy Derrick handled the ball; it was a handball but the question was, was the handball intentional? The referee thought so and pointed to the spot. Koopit Mani against Julious Atengong converted once more for 2-2.
Eding converted their 5 penalties while Boung Joel missed from 12 yards, and that was pretty much that. PWD will have to concentrate with their playoffs against Astres who also lost on penalties to Dynamo.
GIOVANNI WANNEH.
