The elite match in Cameroon's Division 1 championship between Victoria United of Limbé and Ums Loum was played with one man less on each side at kick-off. A choice apparently due to occult directives. The match ended in a draw (2-2). Yet another unusual occurrence that demonstrates the peculiarities of African soccer, which are deeply rooted in local beliefs. In the past, a match in Cameroon started well after the scheduled time, because neither team wanted to enter the field first. According to the witchdoctors, whoever went first should lose the match some ideas claim.
So is mysticism in African soccer a cultural asset or a hindrance to the development of the sport? The subject has been slow to find a unanimous answer ever since it was first raised. Until the question is settled, mystical practices are seen by some as the charm of African soccer. For some, it's not a question of technical tactics, but of technical mysticism. Alongside tactical warfare, mystical warfare often rages on the pitch and in the stands according to some beliefs.
MTN Élite One : Victoria United et UMS de Loum ONT DÉBUTÉ LA RENCONTRE À 10 CONTRE 10
Selon les informations recueillies à Limbe, les deux équipes auraient suivi les consignes des marabouts ou des pratiques occultes de débuter la rencontre avec 10 joueurs.
Au final score 2-2 pic.twitter.com/YlSDmBKbOP
— Griffe 2 F⚽⚽T🇨🇲 (@Griffe2Foot) November 13, 2023
