The stage is set for the final of the Cameroon Football Cup in its 54th edition, featuring a showdown between Canon Sportif of Yaoundé and Yong Sport Academy (Yosa) of Bamenda. Both teams secured their places in the final after overcoming tough challenges in the semi-finals on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
In a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Reunification Stadium in Douala, Canon emerged victorious against Astres of Douala, prevailing 4-2. Meanwhile, in Bamenda at the Mankon Municipal Stadium, Yong Sport Academy secured a 5-4 victory on penalties against Union of Sports Movements (Ums) of Loum.
The first legs, played on November 28, 2013, had seen neither Canon nor Yosa taking a decisive lead. Canon narrowly won 1-0 at home against Astres, while Yosa played to a 0-0 draw away to Loum. In the December 1 rematch, a goalless draw in the second encounter was broken by Astres’ Alex Russel Nganou, scoring with a lob in the 36th minute.
Astres’ dreams of Cup glory and the championship title were dashed, settling for second place in the championship. However, they earned consolation in securing qualification for the African Champions League. Ums, on the other hand, found satisfaction in their season as the newly promoted team, clinching the 2nd division championship.
Yong Sport Academy, in its first-ever final, faces a formidable opponent in Canon Sportif. The record-holding Canon, with 17 final appearances, will be eager to reclaim the trophy that has eluded them for 14 years. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the determination and pride of both teams.
This report is provided from Douala, capturing the excitement and anticipation leading up to the Cameroon Football Cup final.
