Best Stars Battle Back to Reach 1st Issa-Hayatou-Cup Finals

Best Stars Football Academy of Limbe have been crowned champions of the 2017 Issa Hayatou Cup competition after defeating the Catholic University Sports Academy of Buea 2-1 Friday 8 September at the Omnisport stadium in Limbe.

Issa Hayatou Cup, a FECAFOOT-organised competition introduced last season is a nationwide tournament for young players aged 19 and below.

Benga William and Agbor Clinton scored as Best Stars came from behind to beat CUSA 2-1. CUSA’s goalkeeper, Gwei Jefta who saved an Ofon Fabrice first-half penalty, limped off with an ankle sprain before the substitute goalkeeper, Tabe Tando, took in Best Stars’ winner.

Nevertheless, CUSA looked dangerous from the onset opening scores through Enow Felix Junior at the 5th minute. The Saints subsequently got off the wheels, with Coach Sabom Allen blaming it on poor communication, Gwei Jefta’s injury and indiscipline.

Gwei Jefta

“It was a great match, my boys started well but lost focus along the line,” said Coach Allen. 

“We are very grateful for the game of today. You saw it went. I can say at the end luck favoured us,” Best Stars manager Djoufack Saturin said.

“Like you saw Elive Stephen came in the second half because I gave my players the confidence. I am happy and noticed great potentials from both sides,” Mr Djoufack continued. 

Best Stars who boast of four national selection players like Ofon Fabrice, William Benga, Elive Stephen Ewange (U-17 Lion) and Mohammed beat Cinyodev FA to go through, while CUSA dismissed Continental FA in the semifinals played on the 29th of August in Buea.

Elive Stephen Ewange (U-17 Lion)

Friday’s dramatic final was presided at by the Secretary General of the regional bureau of FECAFOOT, John Mayebi Namanga.

The President of Youth Football for the South West Region, Sam Monono, was pleased with what he saw, hoping that the region is well represented by the champions at the national finals in Yaoundé. 

The match was coordinated by the Secretary General of Youth Football for the South West Region, Nang Ebua Pius.