Cameroon Cup: New Stars inflict star-studded UMS to make history

New Stars of Douala will represent Cameroon at the 2017-2018 CAF Confederation Cup after winning their first Cup of Cameroon.

Nandjou Nganle Alain’s goal was enough for the job on Sunday December 10, at the Ahmadu Ahidjo Stadium as star-studded Union Mouvement Sportives of Loum shockingly bowed out to Coach Laurent Djam’s low-ranked side. 

By losing, Coach Guy Bertin Djiepnang’s side missed a third trophy in three years having won the silverware in 2015, and the League 1 the following year. 

At 12.30 pm on Sunday, Mfandena was already becoming a beehive as Cameroonians from all walks of life squeezed for space inside the colourful 40,000 capacity stadium.

As usual, the Cup final started with entry of troops, the display of the national flag of Cameroon and heart-throbbing animation. At exactly 3.28 pm, an uproar rippled across the noisy football house following the arrival of the presidential convoy.

Fans transformed the stadium into a CPDM rally ground, chanting and glorifying the Head of State/Chairperson of the occasion, President Paul Biya. 

After installing Mr Biya in the stands, a military parade officially kicked off the ceremony which traditionally marks the end of the sports season in Cameroon.

At 3.41 pm, chorographers took central stage. They displayed the rich culture of Cameroon as well as the over 43 existing sporting federations. Centre referee, EFFA ESSOUMA Antoine Max Depadoux, gave the kick off at 4.13 pm. 

New Stars, 2017 Cameroon Cup Champions

As expected, 2015 champions UMS displayed champagne football, with incredible skills from their left-back Bawak Eta Thomas and midfield mixer Nameji Willy. Unfortunately, the Loum side had nothing to show for.

Backed by 2014 Brazil WC attendee Cedric Djeugoue, New Stars concretized a good chance at the 42nd minute when William Kouoh Billé’s fine pass found a combat-ready Nandjou Nganle Alain.

UMS of Loum

Back from the dressing room, the opportunity to make it 1-1 still looked big for Coach Guy Bertin Djeipnang’s  side. However, Coach Laurent Djam’s Boys skillfully orchestrated a frustrating defense, which was complimented by a world class goalkeeping by Kologni Kologni Israel.

Since their inception in 2008, New Stars were beautifully crowned as champions of the Cup of Cameroon for the first time. The rest of the story is history. 

Match Sheet for New Stars FC

GK: Kologni Kologni Israel

Defenders

Ambassa Eloundou Fabrice Pierre

Moukap Rostand

Andoulo Serge

Enjenwei Eric Api

Midfielders

Ako Harry oru

Ngoundo Kouoh Bille Black

Djeugoue Cedric

Attackers

Nandjou Nganle Alain

Bangwen Mbadi Frederic (81′ Balogok Michel)

Pange Lobe Ulrich Audrey (62′ Ntone Valdo)

Coach: Guy Bertin Djiepnang

Match Sheet for UMS

Gk: Edimo Pehn Parfait

Defenders

Abouem Maya 

Otia Paul Elan

Tchamda Romeo

Bawat Etta Thomas

Midfielders

Etogue Joel

Amougui Virtus (54′ Lane Lakem)

Namedi Willy Stephane

Tchamdjou Nguewawe Jean

Attackers

Momasso Joseph (69′ Ebene Jacques)

Deugoue Christian (61′ Ayuk Vidal)

Coach: Laurent Georges Djam

Road to Final: UMS of Loum

Round of 64

UMS 3-0 Jeunesse Yaoundé

Round of 32

UMS 2-0 Modjan FC

Round of 16

UMS 3-1 Cotonsport of Garoua

8th final

UMS 0-0 Astres FC (8-7)

Quarter final

UMS 2-1 FC Yaoundé II

Semifinal

UMS 2-0 Yong Sports Academy Bamenda

Road to Final: New Stars

Round of 64

New Stars FC de Douala 3-0 Douala Foot

Round of 32

New Stars FC 3-1 Olympique of Mvangan

Round of 16

New Stars FC 0-0 APEJES (4-3)

8th final

New Stars FC 3-0 Foudre Sportive of Akonolinga

Quarter final

New Stars FC 1-0 Douala Athletic Club

Semifinal

New Stars FC 2-0 Victoria United 

Match Officials

Referee: EFFA ESSOUMA Antoine Max Depadoux

1st Assistant: Aboubakar DJIKA

2nd Assistant: BIGOH METOUGE

4th Official: NGWA Blaise

Match Commissioner: Njomo Kevin

According to ParlonsFoot, the following are the clubs with most titles in the history of the  Cup of Cameroon:

Canon de Yaounde (12)

Coton Sport de Garoua (6)

Union de Douala (6)

Tonnerre Yaounde (5)

Caïman de Douala (4)

Oryx Douala (4)

Lion Yaounde (4)

Diamant Yaounde (3)

Dynamo Douala (3)