Cameroon PL: 10-man Astres frustrate Coton Sport in Buea

Ten-man Astres of Douala on Sunday held wasteful Coton sport to a goalless draw during a 5th day fixture of the MTN elite one campaign, played at the Molyko Stadium in Buea. 

After a win, a loss to AS Fortuna, two annoying draws and the sudden sacking of their head coach Minkreo Birwe, Coton Sport of Garoua traveled to the SWR, ready to spit fire on the Brazilians of Bepanda on match day 5.

Unfortunately, the cotonites met with a stubborn Astres who now sit 8th on the league table with 7 points after a win and a string of draws.

The match started at exactly 4 pm with Coton Sport looking dangerous and goal thirsty. The domineering 14-time champions fired two shots within 7 minutes. Brice Zombori’s punching header at the 8th minute was still beautifully saved by goalkeeper Haschou Kerrido of Astres.

8 minutes later, Moise Sakava’s corner found Bayegue, but his header met with a vigilant Haschou Kerrido. Astres barely controlled the ball in the opening minutes, lacking attacking intelligence. 

The latter part of the 1st half was marked by two nasty scenes; the substitution of goalkeeper  Simon Omossola of Coton sport after his collusion with an Astres player, and the sending off of Astres’ Ernest Nsombo at the 35th minute for unruly behavior. 

Astres looked much improved during the second half following three changes effected by Coach Nankam Olivier. Coach Oussoumanu Christophe responded with two more substitutes, who still failed to exploit Astres’ numerical disadvantage.

Coton Sport’s only closest move toward goal was when fleet-footed Sakava’s shot hit the right post.

The barren draw has seen Coton slump to the 11th spot with 6 points. Apart from sustaining themselves in the top ten, Astres join Eding and YOSA as the only undefeated teams so far. 

Here are the results in full

YOSA 1-0 Unisport

Fovu 1-1 Eding (SW’s referee, Mbelle Mbelle handled that game in Bafoussam)

Feutcheu 0-2 Union (Middle Farms Limbe)

Aigle 0-0 Apejes

New Stars 2-1 Stade Renard (Limbe Centenary stadium)

YAFOOT 0-2 UMS

Fortuna 1-0 Bamboutos

Dragon 0-1 Colombe

Astres 0-0 Coton 

After 5 days of play:

Table

1. UMS 9 pts

2. YOSA 9 pts

3. Fortuna 9 pts

4.     Eding 8 pts

5. Fovu 8 pts

6. Feutcheu 8 pts

7. Unisport 7 pts

8. Astres 7 pts

9. Union 7 pts (game in hand)

10. Bamboutos 6 pts

11. Coton 6 pts

12. Colombe 6 pts

13. New Stars 4 pts

14. Stade Renard 4 pts

15.     Dragon 4 pts

16. YAFOOT 4 pts

17. Apejes 3 pts

18. Aigle 3 pts