By Basil K Mbuye
Buea United FC,BUFC, football family won their first silverware in eight years after their Under 13 side edged Legend Soccer Foundation 2-1 to lift the maiden edition of the Community Football Tournament.
The last time the Buea United FC football family won a silverware was back in 2011 when the senior team won the CAMDEV tournament in Limbe after beating then 1 Tiko United FC at the final.
This time, eight years after, the newly created Buea United FC U-13 boys with just six weeks old, announced their existence with a first trophy.
Playing at the muddy PCSS Buea Town field, both sides put on a wonderful performance despite the poor nature of the pitch. After 10 minutes into the encounter, it was Buea United’s Eyong Takang gave his side the lead. With the lead guaranteed as play continued, Buea United made a number of attempts to increase tally but all ended fruitless.
When play will resume in the second segment of the game, the boys of coach Collins Chombong despite a goal down, took control of the game. Their counter attacks and shots were all stopped by Buea United’s keeper Tony-bless Onyoh Fon. However, Legend Soccer Foundation got the equalizer at the 63rd minute after missing a penalty earlier on.
Motivated by the lead, Legend Soccer Foundation continue to mount pressure on the boys of Coach Emmanuel Agbor aka Alabas, forcing the BUFC d to make a number of saves to deny them the winner.
With just one minute to the end of the game, Buea United skipper Ching Rivaldo scored a sublime strike from out of the box to score the winner in the mouthwatering encounter.
Speaking after the game, Coach Alabas expressed so much joy after winning his first silverware for Buea United few days after signing a mega four-year-contract with the Southwest Regional League side.
“I feel so happy today. We started just six weeks ago and this competition was to let others know that Buea United FC has an academy now. I will also thank the President of BUFC Valery Kadji for providing a place for these kids to stay during this period,” BUFC coach said.
On his part, Coach Colins Chombong said his side will continue working hard despite the defeat and promises that they will do better next time.
Meanwhile, BUFC clinched individual awards: Man of the Match went to Ching Rivaldo, Best keeper to Tony-bless Onyoh Fon, while Ching Rivaldo was co-top scorer with seven goals. Buea United’s Coach Emmanuel Agbor was voted Best Coach of the tournament.
