Colombe soar into Champions League second round as Teungueth await

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Colombe du Dja et Lobo have reached the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League for a second consecutive season after eliminating Stade Malien on penalties in Bamako.

L’Oiseau du Sud held Stade Malien to a 0-0 draw in the return leg to finish the tie goalless on aggregate before winning 4-3 on penalties. Goalkeeper Édouard Sombang was the hero, saving two penalties during the shootout, while another Stade Malien effort struck the woodwork. Akoh Calistus missed Colombe’s own penalty, but the Cameroonian champions kept their composure to secure qualification.

Among those who converted for Colombe was Mbeleck Junior, the team’s left-back, who confidently dispatched his penalty. Captain Randy Kwalar has also been an important leader as the club continues its impressive continental adventure under coach Richard Towa.

The achievement underlines Colombe’s impressive start to life in Africa’s premier club competition. Making their Champions League debut last season, L’Oiseau du Sud went through all four of their matches without defeat, recording one victory and three draws. Their campaign included the elimination of Senegalese side Jaraaf in the first preliminary round.

There is a remarkable Senegal connection once again this season. After knocking out Jaraaf in the first preliminary round last year, Colombe will now face another Senegalese opponent, Teungueth FC, this time in the second preliminary round. The first leg is scheduled for 16–18 October, with the return leg taking place between 23–25 October.

Under Towa’s guidance, Colombe have now gone six Champions League matches without defeat. Their record since debuting last season stands at one win and three draws in their first four games, followed by two more 0-0 draws this season. Players such as Ikose Njuma and Enow Jude have also formed part of the squad driving the club’s continental campaign.

Sombang’s heroics in Bamako were crucial to keeping Colombe’s remarkable run alive. The goalkeeper, who was part of Cameroon’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, produced when it mattered most, saving two penalties and helping L’Oiseau du Sud survive a tense shootout.

Colombe are now just two matches away from reaching the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in their history. With Teungueth standing between them and the group phase, L’Oiseau du Sud will hope their unbeaten continental journey continues when the two sides meet over two legs in October.