Just five matches into the 2026 edition of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament, it is already clear that there will be no easy path to the title.
Runners-up for last year, Bayelle FC, who opened the tournament with an impressive 3-0 victory over newcomers Mbefi FC, became the first major casualty of the competition after suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Sporting FC on Friday. The result not only ended the perfect start by Bayelle FC but also threw the race for the championship wide open.
Bayelle had entered their second fixture as favourites following a commanding opening-day performance, but Sporting FC produced one of the biggest statements in the tournament so far by outscoring one of the pre-tournament favourites in a thrilling five-goal contest.
The upset has transformed what initially appeared to be early dominance by Bayelle FC into one of the most competitive starts the tournament has witnessed.
Elsewhere, several teams announced themselves as genuine contenders.
Tipper Park FC of Nchang Quarter opened their campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Ngweh Ngweh FC of Mile 5, while Nibung FC sent a strong warning to their rivals by brushing aside Sunday Sharp FC of Ntene Ntene 3-0 with one of the most complete performances of the opening round.
Revenge FC of Mbessi were equally convincing, overpowering Olympic FC of Teken 3-0 to complete a first-round performance that immediately places them among the early favourites.
By the end of the fixtures on Friday, every participating team had completed at least one group match, with Bayelle FC the only side to have featured twice.
The tournament has already produced 16 goals in five matches, averaging more than three goals per game, a reflection of the attacking football that has characterised the competition this year. Only one match has been decided by a single goal, while three fixtures have ended in emphatic 3-0 victories.
The opening week has also exposed contrasting fortunes for teams at both ends of the table.
Bayelle FC remain the highest-scoring side in the tournament with five goals despite their defeat, while Mbefi FC, Sunday Sharp FC, Ngweh Ngweh FC and Olympic FC are still searching for their first goals and points.
Discipline has also become an early talking point. Two players have already received red cards, one from Mbefi FC during the opening match and another from Olympic FC in Friday's fixture, prompting organisers to remind teams that fair play remains one of the core values of the tournament.
Beyond the statistics, the competition continues to achieve its broader objective of keeping young people positively engaged throughout the long school holidays. Every matchday has drawn enthusiastic crowds as football supporters, families, local traders and community members gather to cheer their teams, creating an atmosphere that extends beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
Held under the theme "youth at the heart of inclusion and community development," the tournament continues to provide a platform for discovering football talent while strengthening community ties among the different quarters of Bamenda III Municipality.
With the opening round now complete and early favourites beginning to emerge, the second round promises even greater intensity as teams battle for places in the knockout stage. If the opening week is any indication, the title race this year could remain undecided until the very last whistle.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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