File Photo: President Paul Biya
Tradition was once more respected during the 56th edition of the football Cup of Cameroon yesterday as the president of the Republic honoured the rendezvous to commune with the public.
It was a renovated Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium that played host to the cup final having received a fresh coat of paint to depict the grandeur of the event.
The electronic score board and giant screen which had long gone out of use, were once more functional.
All over the stadium there were giant flags and effigies of the President of the Republic with banners bearing patriotic messages such as “We are one against Boko Haram”, “Defence Forces: A Model of Courage and Patriotism”, “CAN 2016, 2019 Shinning Victory”, and so on.
Security was tight at the entry into the stadium as everyone including the players, federation presidents and youths who participated in the choreographic show, had to pass through the metal detectors since the President of the Republic was in attendance.
However, once inside the stadium, the atmosphere was convivial as the security officers manifested courtesy though firm in their approach. Before the encounter, Panthère officials went round the stadium haranguing fans and announcing victory against UMS of Loum. Upon the entry of the presidential motorcade, the public shouted with joy and spontaneously chanted a song in honour of the President.
The arrival of the president kickstarted the ceremonial part of the event with the match past of the various sports federations and a choreographic display depicting the unity of Cameroon under the animation of the bands of the Presidential Guard, INJS and an orchestra that dished out music from the various regions of Cameroon.
The high point of the choreographic display was the unravelling of the National Flag at the centre of the field surrounded by emblems of the different corps of the Defence forces and the building of human tower depicting the Reunification monument.
The fans clubs of both teams took over the animation from the as the ball was set rolling, singing at the top of their voices and dancing to attract attention. At half time, there was a demonstration of Nanbudo sports discipline as spectators commented on the several chances squandered by Panthère and the possibility of UMS carrying the day.
With Panthère taking the ascendancy from the onset of the match, the Nzui Manto fans were more boisterous, but when UMS opened scores at the second half of the encounter, the their though fewer in number overtook the Panthère fans singing praises for their darling club.
The merry making and jubilation heightened upon the second goal and continued long after the encounter as the athletes celebrated with supporters after receiving their trophies from the hand of the President of the Republic.
