Canon Sportive of Yaoundé and Panthere sportive of NDE will set the ball rolling for the 2019 league two championship in a game described by many football pundits as a old time classicco. The two heavy weights might be in the second tier of Cameroon football today, but have left their marks in the annals of football in the Country.
HEAD TO HEAD
Canon, nicknamed the Kpa_Kum has played Panthere alias the Nzuimanto two times in the league two championship and this Saturday’s encounter will be the third meeting between the two sides in the second tier championship. The last two meetings between them was last term, with Canon winning home and away. The Kpa_Kum defeated the Nzuimanto 2_nil on march 10, 2018, before repeating the same feet on match day 18, played on may 20, 2018, when they defeated Panthere 3#2.
RECENT FORM
Panthere sportive of Nde was relegated from the top tier in the 2016 season, when they finished 16th with 35points, just one point below Canon who narrowly escaped relegation that year. Canon will then follow one year later in the 2017 season, when they finished rock bottom with 26points.
Last season in the elite two championship, Canon won 14 of their 28 games, recording seven draws and seven defeats. They also had the third best attack in the league with 34 goals scored (behind Avion and PWD) and 23 goals conceded, which could only help the 11 time Cameroon cup winners to a Fourth place finish.
Panthere on their part accumulated 39Points from 28 games last term (10 points below Canon), recording 11 wins, six draws and 11 defeats and scored just one goal fewer than Canon (33goals), conceding 31 times.
Panthere however had a good run in the Cameroon cup, where they were eliminated at the semifinals by Lion Blessé.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Panthere can always rely on the attacking strength and the pace of Emmanuel Ondoa,who will want to continue with the spirit the ended last season. Former Little Foot Academy and U17 lions forward Boum Soumlaga will be the man to run down Canon’s defenders, if he is not put under lock and key.
Top scorer last term Pierre Boyomo has left the country for a new challenge in North Africa.
Defender Lionel Essono has returned to the club after a spell in Spain and a seasons at Eding Sport FC that ended with the cup of Cameroon trophy.
Brice Sindjo their top scorer last season with 14 goals is now with Stade Renard of Melong,how they will replace his goals is an issue only time can tell.
HISTORY
Created on November 11, 1930, Canon now under the leadership of former indomitable lions, Pierre Wome Nlend, are poised to gain promotion back to the league one. Canon remains one of the country’s most decorated club with 10 league titles and 11 Cameroon cup trophies.
Panthere was founded back in 1952, 22 years after Canon and can boast two Cameroon cup trophies in their trophy cabinet. Since Jules Famawa took over the management of the club late last year, Panthere have witnessed tremendous progress both on and off the pitch.
COACHES DECLARATIONS
Coach Njeng Claude of Canon said after the failed kick off last Wednesday January 30, 2019 that “we are now ready to start the championship and we continue with the preparations. We had a good Psychological preparations and we are ready”
PITCH
The 5000 capacity Yaoundé military stadium with its natural turf, is a perfect venue for a classic opener. Canon can count on their huge fan base in Yaoundé, but Panthere too will not be new comers, when they step into the green turf of the Yaoundé military stadium this Saturday, though memories of the semifinal Cameroon cup elimination by lion Blessé are still very fresh in their minds.
AFESEH APONG
@afesehapong (Twitter)
