YOSA supporters invade stadium, attack men in black after defeat to Fovu

By Stephen TADAHA

Tension mounted this Saturday March 18, afternoon at the Mbouda Arena Stadium after furious supporters of Yong Sports Academy (YOSA) invaded the pitch at the end of their day 17 game against Fovu of Baham, attacking the some match officials.

The supporters accused the officials of fraud that resulted in their defeat 0-1. According to them, Effa Essouma, the central referee, and his assistants were not neutral in taking major decisions in the game that was dominated by the Yellow submarines.

“This is not the first time we are losing here. We are not annoyed of the defeat but for the referee’s shameless decisions in favor of Fovu. It was clear, three clear penalties refused,” declared an outraged supporter.

Other supporters in the irate crowd say they are annoyed because they are tired of hosting home games out of Bamenda.

“We are tired of traveling out of Bamenda to host games. If this happens next year, we won’t play,” declared another supporter.

“Bamenda needs a stadium. Our teams play out of the town, look at PWD and YOSA. The teams are in difficulty because they have no home advantage. Playing home games in Bafoussam and Mbouda has no advantage,” added the supporter.

The management of YOSA had put a 70 seater bus at the disposal of supporters, for their transportation to and from Mbouda. YOSA before the game had 17 points, just 6 points separated them from a playoff spot – a spot which remains the main objective of the club this season. With this defeat, coach Amunewa Franklin hopes things will change rapidly for their hopes to remain alive despite pointing accusing finger at the match officials.

“We just suffered another defeat, a painful one of course. The boys gave in their all but the referees decided otherwise. I don’t like accusing referees because they are humans. They can commit errors. We would keep working for the next game,” said Coach Franklin.

YOSA will host two straight games again at the Mbouda Arena Stadium against Gazelle on March 26 and against Fauve Azur of April 2nd. Their last two games will be in Yaounde and Douala against YAFOOT and Astres respectively.

The team still has 17 points and is ranked 9th in group B of the league one championship.