Cameroon Elite Two promotion race begins with ELECSPORT and Mintack setting early pace

ELECSPORT Football and Mintack de la Haute Sanaga have emerged as the early front-runners in Cameroon’s fiercely contested Elite Two promotion play-offs, after a dramatic opening round of matches on 20 July 2026.

The national tournament, which decides promotion to Elite Two – the country’s second tier – has brought together the champions of Cameroon’s regional amateur leagues. This year’s edition is an exception to tradition, featuring 12 clubs instead of the usual 10, split into two groups, Pool A and Pool B.

At stake are two coveted places in Elite Two for the finalists, turning every group-stage fixture into a high-pressure test for clubs hoping to break into professional football.

Strong starts in Pool A

Pool A produced tight, hard-fought contests, with Mintack de la Haute Sanaga and AS Sokoto de Kousseri making perfect starts to their campaigns.

Mintack de la Haute Sanaga edged Riziere FC du Noun 2-1 in a closely contested encounter, immediately staking their claim as serious contenders for promotion. Their ability to convert chances at key moments proved decisive and has given them an early psychological advantage in a pool that looks finely balanced.

AS Sokoto of Kousseri also opened with a win, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Girondin Athletic FC. The slender margin underlined the intensity of the competition, with little room for error as sides battle to stay in contention.

The standout spectacle in Pool A, however, came from the clash between Bafmeng United and Mankon United. The two sides shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, providing one of the most entertaining fixtures of the day. Both teams showed attacking ambition but will now need to tighten up defensively if they are to challenge Mintack and AS Sokoto for the top spots.

ELECSPORT take command in Pool B

Pool B is currently led by ELECSPORT Football, who delivered the clearest statement of intent on the opening day. Their 2-0 win over Kafack Sports Academy was the most convincing result across both groups and placed them alone at the summit of the pool.

With goal difference potentially crucial in such a short tournament, ELECSPORT’s ability to combine attacking efficiency with defensive solidity gives them an early edge over their rivals.

The other fixtures in Pool B all ended in draws, underlining just how evenly matched the contenders are.

Union Sportive de Douala were held 1-1 by Hemle de Botko, a result that keeps both sides in touch but leaves them playing catch-up with ELECSPORT. In another 1-1 draw, Epervier d’Ebolowa and Mintack du Septentrion also cancelled each other out, suggesting that the battle for qualification from Pool B will likely go down to the final round of matches.

Early standings and what comes next

After the first round of games, Mintack de la Haute Sanaga and AS Sokoto share the lead in Pool A with three points apiece, separated only by goal difference. Bafmeng United and Mankon United sit behind them with a point each, while Riziere FC du Noun and Girondin Athletic FC have work to do after opening losses.

In Pool B, ELECSPORT stand alone at the top, their superior goal difference putting them ahead of the pack. Union Sportive de Douala, Hemle de Botko, Epervier d’Ebolowa and Mintack du Septentrion are all level on a point, with Kafack Sports Academy yet to get off the mark.

The strong starts by ELECSPORT and Mintack de la Haute Sanaga have set an early benchmark, but with several rounds still to be played and only the finalists guaranteed promotion, the race for Elite Two is expected to intensify.

Organisers and fans alike anticipate a fiercely competitive tournament as clubs from across Cameroon chase the rare opportunity to step up from the amateur ranks into the professional Elite Two championship.