By Basil K Mbuye
A moment of brilliance from Ngalame Clovis on his debut ensured Buea United FC emerged as 2-1 victors in an enthralling, end to end clash with HO Academy FC at the Molyko Omnipsort Stadium.
Ngalame won the game with an intriguing move after a defensive blunder between HO Academy’s Johnson Dalle and Alexis Lalas left goalkeeper Pharell Akibong helpless in front of Ngalame as he slotted the ball easily to kiss the back of the net.
Much was expected before kickoff, as HO Academy, Southwest representative at the Cup of Cameroon, with their fluid attacking football came up against an up pressing Coach Emmanuel Agbor side and both sides certainly delivered.
It was an encounter that saw chance after chance created by both sides, but it was arguably Buea United FC that carved the better opportunities to secure the club’s first victory in the championship.
Both sides played their part in what was an entertaining game from the get-go at the Molyko Stadium in front of hundreds of footballers.
Buea United that started the game with a more offensive play and their effort will finally be rewarded at the 7th minute when a poor clearance from HO Academy’s Dalle in his box was corrected by a vigilant Buea United forward Mbinglo Lartey Franklin who made no mistake to send it at the back of the net.
Despite being lead 1-0, HO Academy continued their tiki taka play style but their efforts in the midfield were all frustrated by Jimmy Njokam and Zebedee Mukete who gave them no space to organise play in the middle.
There was a constant check on HO Academy’s midfield maestro Ange Essama breaching the transition between the midfield and the attack. This cut out supply from reaching HO Academy’s front line of Messi Atangana, Frank Herve Bibout and Mial Jason.
When play will resume in the second stanza, HO Academy’s coach Serge Bokagne’s boys took control of the game failing to break through the resilient back four of Buea United FC.
The game continued to ebb and flow after the break, with HO Academy just edging proceedings as both sides continued to attack with vigour.
There were further stomach-churning moments for Coach Agbor’s men as Amitt Renzo could have made it 2-0 but he instead kick the ground in front an almost empty pole.
At the 57th minute, Ngalame will make it 2-0 after a sublime finish. Coach Bokagne will perform some changes that saw Vincent Ebai Ashu coming in and at the 80th minute, he got the goal that reduced the scoreline to 2-1.
Their comeback couldn’t be concluded as the Buea United backline stood firm to deny them the much-needed comeback.
With the victory, Buea United FC got back to winning ways as HO Academy are now winless in two games in all competitions.
