Victoria United’s ‘Miraculous’ Ride To Stardom

Victoria United FC of Limbe have emerged 2023/24 MTN Elite one champions despite a 2-2 draw with Stade Renard of Melong in the final game of the title playoffs Thursday April 19, in Douala. Goals from Ebua Dze Dieudonne and Wilfred Nathan Douala ensured Opopo lift first ever title. The boys from Limbe finished top of the classification table with 13 points, leaving 2nd and 3rd place Cotonsport of Garoua and Stade Renard with 10 points each. The deduction of 3 points from Yong Sport Academy of Bamenda was already a boaster to Victoria United who had very little threat behind them, needing just a draw to grab the title.

The grand encounter with Stade Renard considered the final ended in a 2-2 draw. Cotonsport before this encounter had been eliminated from the title race following a zero all draw with Dynamo of Douala. It was 17-year old Nathan Doualla who was part of Cameroon’s 2023 AFCON squad that helped OPOPO win its maiden Elite one title, converting a last minute penalty after Dze Ebua’s early goal was cancelled by Stade Renard’s Victor Ngombara and Debi Zamanga.It should be noted that, Victoria United were one of the new comers in Elite one this season after finishing as elite two champion last year and in just two seasons they have written their name in history books, emerging champion of Cameroon’s top tier and second tier championship in a row, ending Cotonsport’s run of three consecutive wins. The boys of the satisfied president Nkwain Valentine will represent Cameroon in the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League in July this year.

The champions received the sum of 50 million francs CFA. For the records, Cotonsport finished 2nd, Stade Renard 3rd and Colombe 4th. All these clubs will equally back home consolatory prices as compensation for finishing top four.