By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
The fallout from the abandoned 2026 Champions Trophy encounter between Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo and Panthère du Ndé has deepened, with Colombe issuing an official communiqué to explain their decision to walk off the pitch on Wednesday evening.
In a letter dated February 26, 2026 and signed by Secretary General Jérôme Aimé Mvomo Andjongmo, the Sangmélima-based club detailed their version of events surrounding the dramatic halt of the match at the military stadium in Yaoundé.
According to Colombe, the decision to withdraw their players in the 67th minute was taken as a form of protest against what they described as repeated and unjust refereeing decisions. The club cited the award of a penalty to Panthère du Ndé — which they insist was unjustified and not flagged by the assistant referee — as well as a red card shown to their captain, as the tipping point.
The statement further alleges a troubling pattern in recent meetings between the two sides. Colombe claim that in two matches played within a week against the Ndé outfit, penalties were awarded to Panthère shortly after officials had interacted with match referees at halftime. They referenced a similar incident in Bandjoun last Sunday and again in Yaoundé, suggesting the decisions compromised the neutrality of the officiating.
While acknowledging the frustration of their supporters who turned out in large numbers, the club leadership said the walk-off was intended as a strong statement against what they termed “this kind of refereeing.” Colombe maintained that they remain respectful of Cameroon’s football governing bodies and trust the leadership of FECAFOOT to restore justice following what they described as an unfortunate incident that tarnishes the image of the game.
The encounter, which brought together the reigning champions and cup holders, was expected to serve as a curtain-raiser ahead of competitive domestic action. However, it now risks disciplinary consequences as football authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.
FECAFOOT has yet to issue an official response at the time of publication, but attention will now turn to possible sanctions and whether the result will stand, be replayed, or be awarded by default.
For Colombe, their position is clear: the walk-off was not an act of indiscipline, but a protest they believe was necessary to defend sporting fairness.
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