The first phase of the 2025 MTN Elite One Championship came to an intense conclusion over the weekend, delivering thrilling moments, unexpected upsets, and defining performances.
While Colombe Sportive of Dja and Lobo asserted their dominance at the top of the table, other teams struggled to keep up, with some now facing a tough battle for survival in the second phase of the season. In Garoua, PWD Social Football Club of Bamenda produced one of the most surprising results of the weekend, stunning Coton Sport with a 2-0 victory in front of their home fans. The defeat was particularly painful for Coton Sport, as it came on the same day they presented their star player, 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Nchindo John Bosco, to the public. Instead of a celebratory evening, the fans watched in disbelief as PWD put on a solid performance to secure three valuable points.
This win lifts the Abakwa Boys out of the relegation zone, moving them to 11th place with 15 points from three wins, six draws, and five losses. With a game in hand, PWD now has a chance to consolidate their position in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, Coton Sport remains in third place with 27 points, having recorded seven wins, six draws, and just one defeat. Elsewhere in Garoua, Gazelle FA continued their impressive home form with a 2-0 victory over Fauve Azur, keeping the title race alive. This victory cements Gazelle’s position as serious title contenders, as they now sit in second place with 30 points from nine wins, three draws, and three defeats. With just a four-point gap between them and league leaders Colombe Sportive of Dja and Lobo, the second phase of the season promises an intense battle for the top spot. In Mbouda, Bamboutos FC was held to a frustrating goalless draw by Astres of Douala. Despite several chances, the home side failed to break through Astres’ disciplined defensive setup. A similar result was recorded in Douala, where Dynamo and AS Fortuna played to a 0-0 stalemate.
The result does little to help Fortuna, who remain deeply entrenched in the relegation battle, needing a massive turnaround in the second half of the season. Defending champions Victoria United FC wrapped up the first phase on a positive note, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against newly promoted Aigle Royal of Moungo. The win gives OPOPO four points from their last two home matches, allowing them to finish the first phase on a high. Aigle Royal, however, remains in trouble as they continue to struggle in the relegation zone. At the top of the table, Colombe Sportive of Dja and Lobo demonstrated their strength with a dominant 3-0 victory over Panthère Sportive of Ndé. Recently crowned the best club of 2024, Colombe showed exactly why they are leading the pack, maintaining their four-point lead over Gazelle FA.
Their fluid attacking play and solid defense have made them the team to beat this season, and they will be looking to carry this momentum into the second phase of the campaign. The story at the bottom of the table, however, is very different. Yong Sports Academy Bamenda, YOSA is in crisis after yet another defeat, this time a 2-1 loss to Stade Renard of Melong. Without a head coach and struggling to find form, YOSA now finds itself at the bottom of the table with just one win in 15 matches. Having suffered 10 defeats and managed only four draws, the club will need to show significant improvement in the second phase if they hope to avoid relegation. With the first phase now complete, 119 matches have been played, with an average of 2.2 goals per game. The race for the title remains open, with Colombe leading the way and Gazelle FA in close pursuit. Meanwhile, the relegation battle promises to be just as intense, with several clubs desperate to turn their fortunes around.