The 11th edition of the Easter Cup Patricia Berthelot, a major junior football tournament in Cameroon, kicked off this Monday at the Reunification Stadium in Douala. Organized by Elite du Football Boissons du Cameroun (EFBC), the competition began on Sunday, April 12, with a technical meeting and a press conference.
The matches started on April 13 at 10:30 AM, marking the first time the 35,000-seat Reunification Stadium has hosted this tournament for under-18 players. The organizing committee had to move the matches from its usual site due to ongoing construction.
Jean Flaubert Nono, Secretary-General of EFBC, highlighted the advantages of this change of venue: "It's good because it allows us to play in a larger, mythical arena... Now that we are in a 35,000-seat stadium, the challenge will be to make a lot of noise".
This year, the tournament sees the number of teams increase from 8 to 12, with four places reserved for teams from Douala to reward local training centers. The other eight teams from other regions of Cameroon retain their quota.
EFBC, the host team, is considered the favorite, but will have to do without David Mimbang, who has joined a club in Europe. Jacques Elimbi, president of EFBC, announced his departure for AS Saint-Étienne at the press conference.
The first day's program included the following matches: Academy Foot Douala vs. Aigle de La Menoua, Kadji Sports Academy vs. Colombe du Dja Et Lobo, Dauphine Academy vs. PWD de Bamenda, and EFBC vs. Gazelle Football Academy de Garoua.
The Easter Cup Patricia Berthelot continues to serve as a crucial platform for young football talents in Cameroon, providing exposure and development opportunities.
