Cameroon Inter-Company Tournament: The NSIF Fails to Make History Twice
The NSIF conceded their first defeat of the season in the final of the tournament against SNH on the 25th of January 2025. It was an extraordinary final, played at the Annex Stadium No. 1 of the Olembe Complex.
It was a match you couldn't afford to miss. It was the last match of the competition and the first time both teams were meeting back-to-back in a final in the history of this tournament. The NSIF football team knew what was at stake. This was evident in the large numbers of fans who turned out to cheer on their team. Whistles, tams-tams and Mendzang gave a festive atmosphere to the match. The match pits defending champions NSIF against the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH). It was the same game as the final of the previous edition garnished with a taste of revenge.
The match began with the singing of the national anthem and a kick-off by the honorary president.
The match began with a high level of intensity from both teams. They gave shot after shot. NSIF centre-forward Moctar Tachini lost his footing on three successive clear-cut chances against the keeper. SNH defended well with a low block. The score remained unchanged until half-time, despite numerous attempts on both sides.
On resumption, NSIF regained control of the ball and had a higher ball possession advantage. Following coach Patrice Abanda's advice, they relied on their flanking forwards. The first 25 minutes went in favour of NSIF, though they were unable to score. SNH missed strikes and kicks due to a fierce NSIF defence. The score was goalless in the 80th minute. As the end of the match approached, tension mounted. Two minutes later, Moctar Tachini had a chance to open scores after he kicked the ball pass the goal line, but his goal was disallowed for offside. The boiling-hot fan club urged their team to do more. Enock Mendoula made a last-ditch effort down the flank, then crossed back the ball to find his centre-forward. The centre-forward missed for the umpteenth time. The match ended goalless and it was time for the penalty shoot-out.
SNH kicked first and missed. NSIF took the lead until the fifth penalty. Dikongue Andy missed the chance to double his team's advantage. SNH missed their next two penalties, which NSIF failed to take advantage of. With 10 shots apiece, Enock Mendoula missed his own, giving SNH victory. The match lived up to its expectations in terms of intensity, technique and fan club support. The Blues' captain, Noël Alain Olivier Mekulu Mvondo Akame, summed up the match in the following words: “We have to congratulate ourselves on the quality of the football we produced. It's been a long time since we've faced such adversity. I congratulate the opposing team on their fine victory. The level is improving and it's quite interesting. We intend to maintain the same level next season, and I do not doubt that we will”.
The NSIF lost the final but received several awards: best participation, best goal scorer of the championship to Moctar Tachini, best player of the championship to Michael Ngaffi and best coach to Patrice Abanda. The NSIF team came out of the game feeling disappointed, but they are determined to come back stronger.
