New stars of Douala characteristically have gotten over their usual sour early season heartbreaks, and they are now looking upwards in pole A.
The 2017 Cameroon cup winners squared off with bottom of the pile_TKC, on Sunday, March 3, 2019 in an encounter that comprised of virtually everything.
Coach Patrick Fotso of New stars named a strong and frequent starting 11, but for Leonel Kibyen who has been a regular starter for most parts of the season but ignored for this one.
New stars of Douala gave the men of Abah Onana, a good run for their money in the opening minutes of game, with Nelson Moukeu making himself available for every pass, and distributing inch-perfect killer passes that carved open the TKC center back partnership of Roland Bernard and captain Pierre Frank.
A penalty was awarded in favour of New stars in the 13 minute of play, as Nelson Mokeu gave the defenders “the eyes”, and instead of going for glory he set-up Kemajou Junior; New stars highest goal scorer with 3 goals, and goal keeper Rodrigue Same could not resist the temptation of a tackle in his area.
The responsibility of the spot kick laid on Kemajou, but he failed to do what he did against Coton sport. The striker delivered a weak strike that saw goal keeper Rodrigue Same palm it away.
In the 34 minute of play, Moukeu Nelson once more danced his way into the defense, and the TKC players tried clearing to no avail as the ball bounced off them and fell perfectly for Mokeu on his weaker left foot, there was the curtain raiser.
The only other action that occurred was the injury of CDM, Medjo Aristide as he went down clutching the ankle on an earlier challenge, he was replaced by Bernard Rodrigue in the denying minutes of the first half.
TKC came for the second segment more motivated, and in the 48 minute of play they were awarded a penalty for a handball offense on Orian Jores Nlend.
Gael Nkama made no mistake from 12 yards, and it was game on. Captain Lane Roland was substituted for the first time this campaign in favour of Roddy. Junior Moukeu hit the upright and guided one passed the side netting, before quick-winger Aristide Martial appeared to be the last throw of the dice for Fotso and his Junior The goal finally came around the 72 minute, Courtesy a close range strike from Aristide Martial.
Coach Patrick Fotso talking to kick442 was sure his team are back on track; “we have succeeded mentally to get through the barren period….the players lost confidence after our disqualification from the CAF confed cup, but we have changed their mind set”.
The emblematic captain, Lane Roland was satisfied with the victory ” New stars have always had quite a difficult start, but I think we have rectified the errors that we had at the back, and we have come to the end of defeats for New stars”. The captain explained the main reason behind his substitution “I was not feeling fine from the start, and they told me when I was unable to continue I should signal the bench, which I did. We promise our fans to keep on winning”.
This win takes New stars to second in the unofficial classification, and keeps TKC in 8 position.
Giovanni Wanneh.
