After an impressive Douala Derby that opened the 2025/26 MTN Elite Two season between Union Sportive and Les Astres FC, the excited crowd did not anticipate the disappointment that followed in the second fixture.
Bamboutos FC of Mbouda arrived for their encounter against Avion FC with just nine licensed playersbarely enough to start the matchwhile Avion fielded a full squad. Compounding their difficulties, the Mangwa Boys had only a medical personnel on the bench, with no technical staff present.
Trouble struck early. Just 12 minutes into the game, Koupit Mani and Dipanda both sustained injuries and required medical attention. After nearly 15 minutes of assessment, the teams physiotherapist ruled both players unfit to continue.
Their withdrawal reduced Bamboutos to just seven playersbelow the minimum required to proceed with a competitive matchforcing the referee to bring the encounter to an early end.
Bamboutos FC, who are one of the five teams relegated from MTN Elite One last season, now await an official decision from the league authorities. However, the match is expected to be forfeited, with Avion FC likely to be awarded all three points.
