The race for places in the quarter-finals of the 2026 edition of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament has intensified after 13 entertaining group-stage matches produced 43 goals, stunning upsets and shifting fortunes across the two pools of the tournament.

With only seven fixtures left before the end of the group stage, no team has yet mathematically secured qualification, but in Pool A and in Pool B have emerged as the early pace-setters with consistent performances that have put them in commanding positions.

Organised under the theme "youth at the heart of inclusion and community development," the competition continues to combine exciting football with youth engagement, community participation and social inclusion.

Pool A has arguably been the most unpredictable group in the tournament, producing dramatic reversals of fortune and keeping the race for qualification wide open.

The runners-up for last year Bayelle FC made an emphatic start, defeating Mbefi FC 3-0 to immediately stake their claim as one of the title favourites.

That momentum, however, proved short-lived.

Bayelle FC vs Ngweh Ngweh FC

Sporting FC announced themselves as genuine contenders by edging Bayelle 3-2 before defeating Mbefi FC 2-1 and 2-1 to become the only team in the tournament with a perfect record after three matches.

Their nine points place them firmly at the summit of Pool A and within touching distance of a quarter-final berth.

Tipper Park FC also enjoyed a positive opening to the tournament, overcoming Ngweh Ngweh FC 2-0 before settling for the first draw of the competition, 1-1 against Mbefi FC. Although they later fell 2-1 to Sporting FC, their four points keep them in second place.

Ngweh Ngweh FC recovered impressively from their opening defeat by producing one of the biggest surprises, defeating Bayelle FC 3-2 to revive their qualification hopes.

For Bayelle, successive defeats after their opening victory have left them facing mounting pressure in the remaining fixture despite remaining among the highest-scoring sides in the competition.

Referee sanctions Mbefi FC player

Mbefi FC remain without a win but have shown encouraging improvement, earning a draw against Tipper Park FC before pushing Sporting FC in a narrow defeat.

Pool A Standings

Position	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Sporting FC	3	3	0	0	7	5	+2	9
2	Tipper Park FC	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	4
3	Ngweh Ngweh FC	2	1	0	1	3	4	-1	3
4	Bayelle FC	3	1	0	2	7	6	+1	3
5	Mbefi FC	3	0	1	2	2	6	-4	1

Pool B has developed into a closely contested affair, although Niboung FC have quietly established themselves as the team to catch.

Niboung opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunday Sharp FC before following up with another commanding performance to beat Olympic FC of Teken 3-1.

Their two victories have given them six points, six goals scored and only one conceded, making them the strongest defensive side so far in the competition.

Revenge FC of Mbesi

have matched Niboung point for point after defeating Olympic FC 3-0 and 3-1, although they have played the same number of matches.

Young Classic FC recovered from defeat to Revenge by overcoming Sunday Sharp FC 2-1, keeping themselves firmly in contention for a place in the last eight.

Olympic FC, after back-to-back defeats, reignited their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sunday Sharp FC, while Sunday Sharp remain without a point after three consecutive losses.

Pool B Standings

Position	Team	P	W	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Niboung FC	2	2	0	6	1	+5	6
2	Revenge FC	2	2	0	6	1	+5	6
3	Young Classic FC	2	1	1	3	4	-1	3
4	Olympic FC	3	1	2	3	7	-4	3
5	Sunday Sharp FC	3	0	3	2	7	-5	0

Sunday Sharp FC

The tournament has lived up to its reputation for entertaining football.

The 43 goals scored in 13 matches represent an impressive average of 3.31 goals per game, reflecting the attacking approach adopted by the competing teams.

Only one fixture has ended level, Mbefi FC's 1-1 draw with Tipper Park FC, while the remaining 12 matches have all produced outright winners.

Sporting FC remain the only side in the tournament with a 100 per cent winning record after three outings, while Niboung FC and Revenge FC are still unbeaten in Pool B.

Although Sporting FC have established themselves as favourites to progress from Pool A and Niboung FC have taken an early advantage in Pool B, qualification remains far from settled.

Bayelle FC still have an opportunity to recover despite consecutive defeats, Ngweh Ngweh FC have demonstrated they can upset the favourites, and Tipper Park FC remain well placed to challenge for a quarter-final berth.

Nibung Fc vs Sunday Sharp FC

In Pool B, Revenge FC are level with Niboung FC on points, while Young Classic FC and Olympic FC retain realistic hopes of breaking into the top two with strong finishes.

With seven group-stage fixtures remaining, every point will become increasingly valuable as teams battle for a place in the last four.

The coming week is therefore expected to define the fortunes of every club still dreaming of lifting the 2026 Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament trophy.