YOSA maintains hopes of being at playoffs

By Stephen TADAHA

Yong Sports Academy (YOSA) of Bamenda has maintained its hopes of playing the playoffs of the league one championship this year after playing a goalless draw with Union of Douala this Saturday February 18 at the Mbouda Arena Stadium.

The match that was played in an almost empty Mbouda Arena Stadium and the game counted for day 12 of the competition.

The result means the Yellow Submarines of Bamenda now have 13 points and are now ranked 8th in group B. The team was in the relegation zone at the end of the away leg and have now grabbed 4 points in their first two games of the return leg.

“Even though today we played a draw, we deserved the three points. To succeed in our objective in this return leg, we must put goals and that’s why our offensive side must be adjusted. We injected new players this day and had many chances but unfortunately we had a draw,” declared Head Coach Amunewa Franklin of YOSA.

If this point remains precious for YOSA, many fans think the Yellow Submarines could do better and can do better if they host their games in Bamenda. “An empty stadium is not encouraging for YOSA,” says Ndangoh Harry, a supporter who accompanies the boys of Franklin in each and every encounter.

“Today’s game was good because the boys created chances which could unfortunately not be converted. We understand that because there were many new players in the squad today but the real problem is the emptiness of the stadium,” he adds.

According to Harry, the cause of the empty stadium is the fact that YOSA hosts games out of Bamenda.

“This is a real problem for us YOSA. If we were in Bamenda, the field would have been full for sure. The boys are alone here,” he continues.

Asked if this will influence the objectives fixed he says he still has confidence in his team:

“As I told you after our victory against group B leaders Bamboutos, I think the boys will make it to the playoffs.”

The North West region was promised a stadium a year ago but nothing has been done till date.

YOSA still has 8 games left and must grab the maximum number of points so as to keep hopes alive. The difference between the Yellow Submarines and the playoff spot is just 5 points.