By Angu Lesley
Football Writer kick442.com-Cameroon
David Lee Kokolome thumped in a 90th-minute winner as Panthere of Nde beat New Stars of Douala 1-0 and move to the top of Pool B of the Cameroon Elite One championship with a three points advantage.
Coach Charles Kandem’s resurgent side had won three of their previous five top-flight matches but were short of their best for much of the first half, with New Stars of Douala in the hunt for their second victory of the season.
David Lee Kokolome and his teammates tried to crank through the gears in the second half of the match-day six encounter but struggled to find a breakthrough.
The intermediate Lions forward would have the final word, swiping home on the volley after attacking colleague Eteme Gallus made a nuisance of himself on the end of a fine cross.
New Stars had and missed the first chance of the game in the 19th minute and clipped wide but the visitors continued to acquit themselves well.
Kokolome grazed the top of the netting with a speculative strike before Panthere let the playmaker run unchallenged for around 30 yards to blast over.
Panthere belatedly found some rhythm before the interval and Gallus linked up nicely with Kokolome to fire in a rasping low drive that was saved.
What does it mean? Panthere on the march at the right time
Charles Kandem’s side have now won four of their six games in the championship this season. Canon with two games in hand are second-seeded. Beaten 1-0 by UMS on Saturday, third-placed APEJES find their form heading in the opposite direction and if Canon can beat Cotonsport on Wednesday– Minkreo Birwe’s men are three points behind Panthere in third – then they will certainly carry the look of aspiring champions.
Herman Talla comes out on top
New Stars’ near-failure to pick up points is owed much to Herman Talla. The former YOSA, Aigle Royal and Bamboutos FC keeper made five saves and operated in assured fashion throughout the 90 minutes.
What’s next
Panthers travels to Bamenda to face struggling YOSA on Sunday while New Stars host Cotonsport after their CAF Confederation cup game against JS Kabylie.
Kokolome counts four goals in six appearances this season.
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