Bamboutos would play Leopard in the first game of the league 2 playoffs on the 12th of May.
There has been a twist of fate in the journeys of these club’s: Bamboutos are still feeling hard done by, with the decision by FIFA to send them down, due to the unpaid money of Belgian tactician, Yohan Buyle in 2015 while Leopard of Douala did exceptionally well in the National Interpol, ascending to the league 2 from a tough group consisting of Victoria united, Abong-bang fc, and Rainbow FC to get to the second tier of the nation’s football and here are they fighting for a chance to book an Elite 1 ticket.
These two teams took the 1st and second spot in this year’s league 2 championship in group B and they know already everything about themselves having rubbed shoulders twice already this campaign, recording a zero all tie on both occasions, and completely overwhelming aside every other team they faced. Leopard ended first in the log with 25 points while Bamboutos came one shorter from behind with 24.
Created in 1966, Bamboutos of mbouda has a laudable fan base and perhaps one of the best in central Africa. Their best finish in the league ironically was the one that they got relegated in, 2018 (3rd) place finish. Their only trophy till date remains the UNIFAC in 2004.
For Leopard FC it is fair to say if Leopard is absent from the big picture then the history of Cameroon’s football has not been completely told. They are 1 of only 3 local team’s in the nation to have lifted the league-1 3 times running: 1972-1973-1974. The club hosted one of Africa’s greatest in Albert Roger Milla back in 1970 to 1974 given him his first chance to play professional football.
Leopard FC would be relying on joined best coach of the regular campaign in the league 2 campaign, Maurice Mpondo to make a difference as he has always done since his arrival.
The change of power at the helm of Bamboutos with new club president, Mr Lambot didn’t go as bad as perceived in his first year. The instability of Coach Anciet Mbarga Foe might also tell. The ‘conductor’ who led Bamboutos to their highest ever position in the Elite 1 2018 has to discharge his duties as a member of the technical bench of Burundi and his darling club Bamboutos.
GIOVANNI WANNEH.
