Elite football finally returned to Bamenda in grand style, and PWD Bamenda marked the occasion with champagne football, cruising to an emphatic 41 victory over Stade Renard of Melong on Sunday at the Bamenda Proximity Stadium.
The encounter, part of the second matchday of the MTN Elite One championship, was historic. It was PWDs first competitive home game in the city after several years away, following a convention signed between the club and the Bamenda City Council. Despite fears sparked by last seasons unfortunate security incidents, calm prevailed, allowing over 1,200 jubilant supporters to witness the Abakwa Boys perform at home once again this time on brand-new facilities.
Eager to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to Victoria United of Limbe, PWD wasted no time in asserting dominance. Led by captain Terence and urged on by a vibrant crowd, the home side pressed aggressively on the synthetic turf, moving the ball with confidence and intent.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Ndonwie Fielding etched his name into history, scoring the first official MTN Elite One goal at the Bamenda Proximity Stadium after a delightful assist from Junior Nguimbat. The stadium erupted, and the momentum firmly swung PWDs way. That dominance was rewarded again in the 41st minute as Fabrice Ndeh Nsoh calmly converted from the penalty spot to double the advantage.
Stade Renard, clearly uncomfortable on the synthetic surface, struggled to contain the pace and movement of the Abakwa Boys. Although Jean Simplice Mbang capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pull one back in added time 452, PWD responded immediately. Aliyu Yaya produced a stunning strike two minutes later to restore a two-goal cushion, sending the home fans into raptures as PWD went into the break leading 31.
Any hopes of a comeback for the visitors faded after the restart. Reduced to ten men following Kamale Yannick Leuyos second yellow card, Stade Renard were overwhelmed by PWDs fluid and confident play. Ndonwie Fielding, already on the scoresheet, turned provider once more, setting up Junior Nguimbat whose powerful effort proved too much for goalkeeper Epane Epane Litizie.
From that moment, the outcome was beyond doubt. PWD Bamenda controlled the tempo, entertained the crowd, and saw out the game in style to register their first three points of the season.
It was more than just a win, it was a statement. PWDs return to Bamenda was celebrated with flair, goals, and authority, as the Abakwa Boys reminded everyone that elite football is truly alive again in the City of Seven villages.
