Defending ELITE ONE champions, Coton Sports of Garoua have muscled its way into the playoff positions after overpowering table-toppers UMS De Loum 4-1 in their matchday 20 game over the weekend. The cotton weavers made a statement of intent at the Roumde Adja Stadium and sent a clear warning to other title hopefuls.
The 17-time champions of Cameroon continued their impressive revival under new Head Coach Jean Baptiste Bisseck. A second-half double from Aziz Basane ensured that the defending champions emphatically took all three points.
Coton Sports Muscle their Way into Playoff Spot after Overpowering League Leaders
Coton was ruthless from the word go and quickly took hold of the game from the opening minutes. Franck Achille Nyobe put through his own net after UMS Keeper fumbled a menacing cross from Man of the Match Koulagna Aziz Basane to get the home team off to the perfect start after just 4 minutes.
A goal from Reich Kokolo on either side of an Aziz brace meant Coton had an unassailable 4-0 lead by the 65th minute. The Group A leaders UMS of Loum gave it their all, but the 71st-minute goal from the visiting team would only be a consolation.
What is the Significance of this Result?
This result has enormous ramifications for the top of the table as it moves Coton Sport up to second, level on points with last Sunday's opponents, who have dropped to third following a sanction that led to a three-point deduction. Canon of Yaounde become the new leader with 32 points on the log.
UMS de Loum's head coach Doumbe Bosso was suspended immediately after the loss to Coton Sport De Garoua following what the Club owners called "gross negligence and high treason."
Elsewhere in the MTN Elite One championship, Bamboutous De Mbouda became the first team to book their ticket for the playoffs after securing a 1-1 draw against Astres De Douala. In the other crucial group B game, Yong Sports Academy boosted their chances of survival with a vital 2-1 win against YAFOOT.
Rennaisance de Ngoumou registered a big win over fellow Group B relegation strugglers Avion Academy.
What's next?
With two games left of the current season, we have a breath-taking 3-horse race for the two available playoff spots in Group A. There will be no shortage of full-blooded games over the next two game weeks, with ELITE ONE survival and playoff spots on the line for a host of teams in both groups.
The 2022/23 MTN ELITE ONE championship is scheduled to round off on the 26 of April, 2023.
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