|
|
|
|
D1 Football : Cotonsport, Tops Chart (04.07.2005)
The outcome of the first phase of the 46th National Division I championship was rendered yesterday. Since the start of the competition last March 12, some 306 mathces have ben played by the 18 teams involved; 17 matches per team. Unlike last year when the end of the first phase was tantamount to end of activity for two clubs in the elite championship, this time, all teams will remain in the competition until the last playing day on November 30, 2005. The end of the away matches is therefore simply a moment for stock taking and preparations for the decisive stage that kicks off in two weeks. With 17 more playing days, nothing is ultimately lost or achieved. However, the results are telling for themselves. One can say, with a certain degree of certainty, who is who in the on going championship.
Cotonsport stands out as the number one team. From all indications, Lamine Ndiaye and his boys are gunning for a sixth league title; the third in a row. With 38 points on the 51 possible - 11 victories, five draws and one defeat, Cotonsport finished the away leg in grand style. They remained invincible up till the 15th playing day when Aigle Dschang beat them 2 — 1. In effect, since 2002, the cotton weavers have been invincible on the national scene.
Astres, Sahel and Sable demonstrated a certain level of stability; winning at least nine of their 17 matches. Astres had the best scorer in the first phase of the tournament. Ekanga Amia Narcissee scored 11 goals in 16 matches. However, some clubs are still to find their way. Unisport, Tonnerre and Esperance could be considered the major point distributors this far. They’ve won less than three matches each since the start of the competition. With 10 points, Unisport has a herculean task ahead if
|
they must remain in the elite championship next season.
In effect, 2005 is a transitional season in Cameroon’s Division I football. After trying the two-poll championship last season, which was a flop, the Cameroon Football Federation succumbed to popular pressure and reintroduced the one-pool competition, but this time with 18 teams. Next season, things would go back to what existed before 2004. The number of clubs in D I will drop from 18 to 16. At the end of the present championship, therefore, six teams will face relegation into D II. Four (those classified 15 to 18) will immediately descend to D II, while two others (those classified 13 and 14) will have to fight for their place in D I at the Interpools with the ten provincial representatives. Four teams will move to D I from the Interpools.
So far, the organizers of the Division I championship could be praised for respecting schedules. Virtually all matches were played on the programmed day and time. The dark spot remains the absence of adequate infrastructure. Most towns lack stadiums worthy of the name. Some matches were therefore played under deplorable conditions. In the same light, some of the actors in the ongoing championship have distinguished themselves negatively. Luckily, the discipline committee of the Cameroon Football Federation has been swift to intervene; promptly putting things in order . Referees have been suspended, teams sanctioned and players booked.
The return matches begin on July 16. The stakes are high and the chances are still open. A lot can still be done. 17 matches are many. The second phase will therefore be more interesting as all the clubs are aware of the stakes; that of putting on a good performance to remain in the elite championship.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hits: 6264 | cameroon-tribune.cm
|  |  | Toutes les ( 0 ) Réactions
|
|
|
Pour réagir, vous devez être connecté. Enregistrez vous et connectez vous.
|
Première page
Toute l' actualité
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
