CAF Champions League : Colombe Exits With Dignity

Colombe Sportive of Dja and Lobo’s maiden campaign in the CAF Champions League concluded on a bitter-sweet note after their elimination in the second preliminary round. Although ousted on away goals, following a goalless draw in the second leg against Mouloudia Club (MC) of Algiers in Algiers on October 26, 2025, the Cameroonian club’s spirited performance throughout the competition earned them appreciation. In the first leg, Colombe had complicated its qualification chances MC of Algiers scored in Yaounde; to end the game 1-1. 
Under the leadership of Richard Towa, Colombe stepped into Africa’s elite club competition as relative newcomers, facing initially tough opponents. Their journey began against Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf; a test many believed would overwhelm the club from the South Region of Cameroon. However, Colombe defied expectations by securing a solid 0-0 home draw in Mfandena. The return leg in Senegal saw Colombe edge forward with a slender but vital 1-0 victory. This win propelled them into the second preliminary round, where they met Algeria’s historic and formidable, MC of Algiers. The first leg at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde ended in a gripping 1-1 draw, a result that carried significant weight into the away leg. The return match in Algeria, however, proved challenging beyond the pitch. Despite maintaining a disciplined defensive structure, observers believed that Colombe was repeatedly subjected to difficult refereeing decisions. The pressure of hostile officiating weighed heavily on the players, who frequently found themselves cautious to avoid further punishments. The game ended 0-0, a stalemate that eliminated Colombe on the away-goal rule. In four games played, the club from the South Region recorded three draws, one win,...