WEST AFRICAN FOOTBALL

After 23 matches of the MTN Elite One 2013, Renaissance FC de Ngoumou is placed at tenth place, in real danger of suffering relegation. Personally, I hope the modest club, playing their home matches in Yaoundé, will maintain their top level status – primarily because of the club’s faith in young, talented footballers.

The experienced Alphonse Effa Nsoé is first choice goalkeeper, commanding a defence consisting of left-back Paul Désiré Yede Yede, centre-back Charles Lobe Lembe, formerly of Matelots de Douala and Unisport FC, centre-back Robert Ntolla Nguena, formerly of Canon de Yaoundé, and right-back Nicolas Joël Owono Mbassegue. As far as I know, Yede Yede, also effective as a defensive midfielder, is the captain of the team. Veteran Ntolla Nguena has also been captaining the side in certain matches. Owono Mbassegue is a talented full-back who played regularly for the Cameroon U-20 national football team in 2012.

Gerard Bayegue Atangana, born in 1992 or 1993, is a key player in the defensive midfield role. Bayegue Atangana, who can also play centre-back, is a hard-working player with good ball-winning ability and aerial strenght. Bayegue Atangana has played more than 20 matches this season.

Arsene Elisée Ndjengue is an interesting newcomer at the club. The defensive midfielder, a physical player who tackles hard and wins a lot of balls, has experience from Al-Ahly Tripoli (Libya) and OC Khouribga (Morocco). Ndjengue was recently picked for the Cameroon B national football team.

Ludovic Ndzie is an interesting prospect, often found in an attacking midfield role. Ndzie has played for the Cameroon B national football team and has also been training with Cameroon U-20 during the season.

Lanky striker Christian Fack Bayokolack, formerly of Canon de Yaoundé, is a player with potential. However, Bayokolack has been overshadowed by top scorer Gaël Landry Mfou’ou. During the season, Mfou’ou has been training with the Cameroon U-20 national football team. Landry Nguene, a talented striker, was part of the Cameroon U-20 national football team for the 2013 Jeux de la Francophonie.

Simon Pierre Ambella has been one of the revelations of the season. The striker, who was completely unknown to me before the season, has scored three goals in approximately 15 matches.

The picture, found on www.237sports.com, shows Ambella (in blue), fighting against tough centre-back Bouba Aminou of Cotonsport FC.

As far as I know, Patrick Anaba Metogo, the 19-year old striker who is playing regularly for the Cameroon U-20 national football team, has recently joined Astres de Douala.

* Please note that the goalscorer of Renaissance FC against Fovu Club on 18.08.2013 is currently unknown.

PLAYER PRESENTATION: