Cup of Cameroon: Holders Colombe to face Panthere in final.

The South Region football club came from behind to beat Atlantic SC of Kribi 2-1 in a regional derby, at the FECAFOOT Technical Centre in Odza, Yaounde.

Atlantic of Kribi were underdogs coming into the game. They were poised to stun Colombe who had shown very little inconsistency in route to reaching the final and was regarded as the title favourites.

Despite the calibre of their opponent, Colombe's biggest scare came in Wednesday’s game. Atlantic SA did not read the scripts as they took a shock lead on 20 minutes through Maxime Betossi.

Colombe looked out of ideas but switched things up in the second half. They outpaced and outplayed their rivals. The second half was only four minutes old when Rodrigue Onana restored parity between both teams.

The equalizer energized Colombe Sportive who continued to dominate possession but could not find a winner. Just as extra-time loomed, skipper Randy Ntube took over goalscoring duties and netted a winner three minutes to stoppage time.

The win means that Colombe will have the chance to defend their title. The title holders are one step away from becoming the first Cameroonian club since Coton Sport in 2007/2008 to retain the trophy.

Colombe ended Atlantic of Kribi’s hopes of securing their maiden Cup of Cameroon title. The MTN Elite Two was the only club of the club who made it to the last four that had not triumphed in the competition before.

Canon bows to Panthere

Over at the Annex of the Japoma Stadium in Douala, West Region football club, Panthere Sportive of Nde, narrowly edged record-winner Canon Sportive of Yaounde 1-0 to reach the final. 

Konrad Nfanseu scored the solitary goal on 52 minutes in the all-Elite One clash. Panthere finished the 2024/2025 season second behind league winners Colombe Sportive whom they now face in the final.

They are looking to make amends after missing out of the title and the Cup of Cameroon offers an opportunity to end the season in style. 

Panthere has won two Cup of Cameroon titles in 1998 and 2009 and are chasing a third. Canon had raised concerns over the choice of match officials for the game. The defeat extends the team’s wait for a major title after a 23 year wait.

Also, the legendary Cameroonian outfit, who have lifted three CAF Champions League titles, have not won the Cup of Cameroon since 1999. The last time they clinched a trophy was in 2002, the last league glory. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3513 of Thursday July 24, 2025