The opening salvo of the Elite One relegation playoffs kicked off with a bang, delivering a goal-laden yet tense matchday that saw four out of five fixtures end in draws. Union Douala emerged as the sole victors, overcoming a lacklustre Avion Academy FC while the remaining games showcased a fight for every point.
The extended break leading into this high-stakes mini-tournament seemed to have dulled the players’ sharpness somewhat. Matches were characterized by a cautious approach, with teams prioritizing avoiding conceding over flamboyant attacking displays. This was evident in Fortuna’s dramatic comeback from a two-goal deficit and PWD’s fightback against UMS Loum after going down by the same margin in the first half.
Union Douala currently leads the pack with a perfect three points, while all other teams cling to a solitary point, with Avion occupying the bottom spot. APEJES de Mfou will enter the fray on matchday two, adding another layer of intrigue to the relegation scrap.
Given that five out of the eleven teams will be demoted to the second tier league, every point holds immense weight in this cutthroat competition.
Meanwhile, the Elite Two relegation playoffs witnessed a slightly lower goal rate, with an average of 2.5 goals per game across four matches. Yzfoot and Unisport got off to a flying start, securing all three points to establish themselves at the summit of the table. The remaining two fixtures ended in draws, leaving Renaissance of Ngoumou and Rangers of Bafut – both of whom displayed vulnerabilities throughout the regular season – precariously placed on the relegation tightrope. With only six games remaining, the bottom two teams face the dreaded prospect of dropping down to the regional leagues.
As the dust settles on a fascinating opening matchday, we can anticipate a significant rise in intensity on matchday two. Players will have shaken off the cobwebs and be fully charged for the upcoming battles, making for a more thrilling spectacle for fans and a nerve-wracking experience for relegation-threatened teams.
