The fourth regroupment of Cameroon’s men’s senior volleyball championship got underway in Bafoussam this weekend, and if Saturday’s action was anything to go by, the road to the playoffs is shaping up to be every bit as competitive as expected. The favourites, by and large, did what favourites are supposed to do, though there were moments of real drama woven through the day’s programme.
Garoua Volleyball had what can only be described as a tough introduction to the weekend. They came up against Forces Armées et Police in the opening fixture and, despite showing genuine fighting spirit, found the going far too steep.FAP won straight sets 25-22, 25-22, 25-20.
Things did not improve for Garoua in their second outing of the day. Litto Team Volleyball took them apart across four sets, winning 25-15, 25-17, 22-25, 25-18. The third set offered Garoua a brief moment of respite and a touch of hope, but Litto steadied themselves and closed it out without too much fuss. It is fair to say Garoua is still learning what it takes at this level, and that education continued, rather painfully, on Saturday.
The result everyone had circled on the calendar, though, was the clash between Litto Team Volleyball and Port Autonome de Douala. These are two of the most decorated outfits in Cameroonian volleyball, and they did not disappoint in terms of atmosphere and intensity. The sets were tight, particularly the second, which went to 26-24, and there was no shortage of quality on show. In the end, however, PAD proved the stronger side, taking the match 3-0 with set scores of 25-21, 26-24 and 25-22. That second set in particular was a proper contest, and it will have given Litto plenty to think about heading into the playoffs.
PAD had earlier dispatched Dream Sport Academy with similar authority, winning 25-18, 25-17, 25-16 without really being tested. DSA showed willingness but were outclassed against opponents of that calibre.
So as things stand, the big guns are very much still standing. PAD look formidable, FAP are ticking along nicely, and Litto, despite the defeat, have shown they remain a serious force. The top four teams from this regroupment will advance to the playoffs, and that race is still very much alive.
Sunday brings one final fixture to close out the weekend, with Garoua Volleyball facing Dynamique de Douala. For Garoua, it is an opportunity to end the regroupment on a positive note and carry something meaningful into whatever comes next. For Dynamique, it is a chance to make a statement of their own.
Bafoussam has delivered a solid weekend of volleyball. The real business, of course, is still to come.
