Tombel, Cameroon – The quiet town of Tombel erupted in celebration this week as the inaugural El-Clasico Women’s Football Tournament got underway, marking a bold step forward for gender equality and grassroots sports in the region.
Organised by the Community Empowerment and Travel Agency (CETA), the tournament has brought together ten women’s teams competing across three pools, with dreams of glory, scholarships, and even international opportunities on the line.
For Dr. Ngwane David, CEO of CETA and the driving force behind the event, this is about far more than just football.
More Than a Game: A Platform for Change
The tournament’s launch saw a vibrant parade through Tombel, with teams marching from Three Corners to the Government Primary School Stadium, where local officials, including the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO), gathered to witness history in the making.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ngwane laid out his vision—one where sport becomes a catalyst for social transformation.
“Sport has a unique ability to break barriers and inspire change,” he said. “This tournament isn’t just about competition; it’s about showing the world what these young women can achieve—both on and off the pitch.”
The stakes are high. The tournament’s standout player will secure a scholarship to a London football academy, a life-changing opportunity in a country where female athletes often struggle for recognition.
But CETA’s ambitions stretch beyond the beautiful game.
Beyond Football: Farming, Finance, and Futures
Dr. Ngwane also announced plans for microfinance loans for local farmers, vocational training programs, and even adult literacy initiatives—all part of CETA’s wider mission to uplift rural communities.
“We’re not just creating footballers; we’re building futures,” he emphasised. “Whether it’s through sports, agriculture, or education, we want to open doors that have been closed for too long.”
The Road to the Quarter-Finals
With a packed fixture list (see below), the tournament promises fierce competition. The top two teams from each pool, plus two best-performing runners-up, will advance to the knockout stages.
Pool A:
Ebamout Young Ladies vs. Ngab FE
Petro Sport FE vs. Ngab FE
Ebamout Young Ladies vs. Petro Sport
Pool B:
Kounin Young Star vs. Asmuquy
Independence Square vs. Kounin Y.S.
Asmuquy vs. Independence Square
Pool C:
Ekonebeh Super Star vs. Kupe United
Dynayo vs. Miles 19 Ladies
Ekonebeh Super Star vs. Dynayo
Kupe United vs. Miles 19 Ladies
Dynayo vs. Kupe United
Miles 19 Ladies vs. Ekonebeh Super Star
Post-game celebrations marking the successful launch of the women’s football tournament
Political authorities express appreciation to CETA’s initiative
