The Nkambe Municipal Stadium was at the weekend the scene of scintillating footballing action as Boca Junior of Nwa took on Real Madrid FC of Ako in the finals of the fourth edition of the Mafor Judith Yah Sunday Achidi Football Tournament for Peace – an annual divisional soccer tourney in the Donga Mantung Division of the volatile North West Region.
Despite the poor weather condition characterized by continuous drizzling, Nkambe residents and other soccer enthusiasts from Ako, Misaje, Ndu and Nwa Subdivisions showed up en masse to enjoy the final match of the tournament on Sunday, August 25, 2024, confirming the aphorism that football unites and strengthens dialogue among people irrespective of their backgrounds, beliefs and political affiliations.
The Senior Divisional Officer, (SDO), for Donga Mantung, Basiliken George Magloire Emmanuel who presided over the finals and prizes award ceremony of the two-months-long soccer tournament, praised the benefactor, Judith Yah Sunday Achidi, who is also General Manager of Cameroon telecommunications (CAMTEL), for using football and the aura surrounding its actors to promote peace and unity in the division.
The SDO said the CAMTEL GM’s efforts to sustain and maintain peace as well as encourage living together in her native Division is a great initiative. He used the occasion to call on all the living forces of Donga Mantung Division to follow the example of Judith Yah Sunday Achidi.
The administrative chieftain of the Donga Mantung Division also expressed heartfelt thanks to players and fans for demonstrating the spirit of fair play and brotherhood during the tournament. He also commended the organizing committee and referees for their commitment to impartiality and fairness throughout the tournament.
First-timers, Real Madrid of Ako lift trophy
Finalists, Boca Junior of Nwa and Real Madrid of Ako went into the game with great hopes, demonstrating a mastery of the game in the opening minutes. In the first quarter-hour, Real Madrid attacker Fabchi Kalla opened scores, giving the border boys from Ako an early lead over the Romrock boys from Nwa.
Motivated by the early lead, Real Madrid of Ako who were in their first participation in the tournament intensified attacking strategies that paid off as Ishaha netted a second goal for the first timers just seven minutes before the end of the first 45 minutes of the game.
Boca Junior of Nwa fought hard to reduce tally during the second half but squandered all scoring chances until the central referee, Allen Bocsic sounded his final whistle signaling the end of the match. It was thus two goals for Real Madrid of Ako and no goal for Boca Junior of Nwa.
Besides a trophy and gold medals, the winners, Real Madrid of Ako also received a cash prize of FCFA One Million while the runners-up, Boca Junior of Nwa went home with FCFA 600K, in addition to a trophy and silver medals.
Other participants also received collective and individual prizes including trophies and medals while taking a commitment to be back for a better performance during the fifth edition of the tournament next year.
