By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Panthère du Nde lifted the 2025 Cameroon Cup after edging past Colombe du Dja 3-1 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, to secure their first major trophy since 2009.
The final burst into life early when Brandon Fopa, later named Man of the Match, fired Panthère ahead in the seventh minute, finishing with confidence to crown a lively opening spell from the outsiders.
Colombe du Dja responded with sustained pressure and were rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time. Patrick Edzimbi kept his composure from the penalty spot in the 45th minute plus six, levelling the score and setting up a tense second half.
Despite moments of promise at both ends after the break, neither side could find a decisive goal in regulation time, as the contest drifted towards penalties amid rising tension inside the national stadium.
From the spot, Panthère showed greater composure. They converted three penalties, while Colombe managed just one, handing Panthère a memorable 3-1 shootout victory and sparking emotional celebrations.
Much of the credit belongs to head coach Yves Clément Arroga, who took charge just after the start of last season and has since overseen a remarkable transformation. His impact has been swift and profound, moulding Panthère into a disciplined, competitive and fearless unit capable of rising to the biggest occasions.
Fopa’s early goal, relentless work rate and influence throughout the match earned him the Man of the Match accolade on a historic night for the club.
The victory also carries continental significance, as it earns Panthère du Nde the right to represent Cameroon in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, marking the club’s return to African competition.
The final was officiated by FIFA referee Ngwa Blaise Yuven, who oversaw proceedings on a night of high tension and fine margins.
For Panthère du Nde, this triumph ends a 16-year wait for silverware and signals a return to prominence. For Colombe du Dja, it was a painful defeat after coming agonisingly close to defend the title they won last year.
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