Panthère, Colombe open continental campaigns with home draws

By Angu Lesley

football Writer

Cameroon’s two representatives in the CAF interclub competitions have made cautious starts to their continental campaigns, with Panthère Sportive du Ndé and Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo both settling for home draws in their opening legs.

Panthère, competing in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the 2026 Cameroon Cup, were held to a 1-1 draw by Rwanda’s Rayon Sports at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

The Cameroonian side took the lead through Valentin Beo Batto, who rose highest to head Panthère in front after Rayon Sports failed to deal with a dangerous situation in the box.

Panthère held onto their advantage into the second half, but Rayon Sports gradually grew into the contest. Their persistence eventually paid off when Junior Kameni reacted quickest to a rebound and headed the Rwandan side level.

The 1-1 draw means Panthère will now have to secure a positive result in Kigali to advance to the next stage.

A day later, Cameroon champions Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo also failed to capitalise on home advantage, playing out a goalless draw against Mali’s Stade Malien in their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round first leg at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.

The encounter ended 0-0, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Bamako.

For Colombe, the result represents another stern test in their bid to progress further in Africa’s premier club competition. The Dja-et-Lobo club is making its second consecutive appearance in the Champions League.

Both Cameroonian sides therefore head into their respective return legs knowing they must produce strong performances away from home to keep their continental ambitions alive.

Panthère will travel to Rwanda looking to finish the job against Rayon Sports, while Colombe face a difficult assignment in Bamako against Stade Malien.

For Cameroon, the opening round has produced two home draws. The decisive second legs will determine whether both clubs can carry the country’s flag into the next stage of African club football.