Colombe Sportive To Face Stade Malien In 2026/27 CAF Champions League Preliminaries

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Colombe Sportive of Cameroon will face Stade Malien FC of Mali in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, following the draw that took place in Cairo on August 6.

The Cameroon champions, who clinched the 2025/2026 Elite One title, will host the first leg before travelling to Mali for the return fixture. The victor over two legs will progress to the second preliminary round, where they are set to meet the winner of the tie between FC Canchungo of Guinea-Bissau and Teungueth FC of Senegal.

A total of 61 clubs have entered the competition. Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia, and Morocco’s RS Berkane have received byes directly to the second preliminary round.

Sundowns, who defeated AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate to win their second continental title last season, will bid for consecutive crowns.

The first preliminary round first legs are scheduled for September 4-6, with return matches set for September 11-13. The second preliminary round first legs will take place October 16-18, with the return fixtures from October 23-25. The 16 winners will advance to the group stage, which begins in late November.

The overall champions will receive a record USD 6 million in prize money. Clubs eliminated in the preliminary rounds will each receive a USD 100,000 subvention from CAF to assist with travel and logistical costs.

Cameroon Ousts Nigeria, Ensuring A New African Women’s Champion

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

For the first time in this tournament’s recent memory, the reigning queens of African women’s football will not be defending their crown. Nigeria, the perennial power and holder of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, was eliminated on Sunday August 9 by a disciplined and defiant Cameroon side, 1-0, in a quarterfinal that crackled with tension from the opening whistle.

**Cameroon celebrate after scoring against Nigeria during the quarter final match** (Photo: CAF)

The defeat not only ends the Super Falcons’ bid for a record-extending title but also guarantees that an unfamiliar name will be etched onto the continental trophy when the final is played later this month. For Cameroon, the victory carries the additional prize of automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The match was decided in the 19th minute by a moment of startling audacity from a 20-year-old who had yet to make her mark on this stage. Myriam Maéva Nyadjou, with little visible warning, took possession well outside the penalty area and unleashed a rising, dipping drive that screamed into the upper corner of the net. The Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, one of the most celebrated shot-stoppers in the global game, could only watch as the ball curled beyond her fullest extension.

Nigeria, as is their custom, responded with furious intent. Within a minute, Rasheedat Ajibade swung a searching cross into the Cameroonian box, but Gift Monday could not connect cleanly under pressure. In the 28th minute, another promising move saw Rinsola Babajide find Jennifer Echegini in a dangerous pocket of space, yet her ensuing effort was comfortably smothered by Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Michaely Bihina, who would prove instrumental in the upset.

For all of Nigeria’s territorial dominance and possession, Cameroon retreated into a compact, organized shell that refused to yield. The Indomitable Lionesses carried their slender lead into the interval, having absorbed everything thrown at them.

The second half brought an even more urgent Nigerian assault, but it also brought out the best in Bihina. Her finest intervention arrived in the 70th minute, when she flung herself across the goal line to deflect Uchenna Kanu’s thundering header with a strong, decisive hand—a save that may stand as one of the tournament’s defining images.

Cameroon, emboldened rather than pinned back, nearly extended their advantage six minutes from full time. Achta Toko Njoya, from a narrow angle, curled a free kick that required Nnadozie to tip the ball over the bar with a reflex save of her own. Nigeria pressed relentlessly in the dying moments, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo appeared poised to force extra time when she beat her marker and unleashed a left-footed shot that sailed agonizingly past the far post.

When the final whistle sounded, Cameroon had not merely won a match; they had rewritten the tournament’s script. With Nigeria’s reign at an end, Morocco 2026 will crown a new African champion—a prospect that, before Sunday, had seemed almost unthinkable.

Cameroon will face host country Morocco in the Semi-finals of the competition on Wednesday August 12.

Panthere Du Ndé To Face Rayon Sports In CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Panthère Sportive du Ndé, the 2025 Cameroon Cup champion, will open its TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Rayon Sports FC of Rwanda in the first preliminary round following the draw conducted Aug. 6 in Cairo.

The opening legs are scheduled for Sept. 4-6, with return matches set for Sept. 11-13. Should Panthère advance, it would meet the winner of the tie between Atomic Ngomé of Comoros and Associação Black Bulls of Mozambique in the second preliminary round, which runs Oct. 16-18, with return legs Oct. 23-25.

More than 56 clubs learned their paths to the group stages, competing for one of African football’s most prestigious trophies and the $4 million prize for the eventual champion.

Clubs eliminated during the preliminary stage will receive a $100,000 solidarity payment from CAF to help cover travel and other logistical costs. The eight highest-ranked clubs received byes into the second preliminary round, while the remaining 48 teams will contest 24 two-legged ties in the opening stage.

The 24 winners will join the eight exempted clubs to form a 32-team second preliminary round, from which 16 victorious sides will advance to the group phase.

Among the most intriguing potential matchups is 12-time TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winner Al Ahly, which will face either Mogadishu CC of Somalia or Kitara FC of Uganda depending on the outcome of their first-round tie.

Defending Confederation Cup champion USM Alger received a bye and will enter against either The Panthers FC of Equatorial Guinea or Benin’s ASPAC FC. The Algerian side claimed its second Confederation Cup crown last season and will be among the leading contenders as it seeks to defend the title.

WirfonCloud Kicks Off Cohort 8 IT Fundamentals Training For AI & Cloud Computing Careers

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Training is officially underway for Cohort 8 of the WirfonCloud IT Fundamentals program, a comprehensive training initiative designed to prepare students across Cameroon for high-demand careers in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. For days now, students have been discovering the new face of the cloud world.

The 18-week, fully online program launched on August 3, offers intensive training across three foundational pillars: Linux Fundamentals, Networking Fundamentals, and Python Essentials. According to WirfonCloud, the curriculum has been designed to demystify complex cloud architecture and make essential tech skills accessible to learners of all skill levels.

The cohort is led by Banjika Ngo (Mfòómé Bá’tí Europe), an instructor with an extensive Amazon Web Services (AWS) background and over 15 years of IT industry experience. Throughout the course, participants receive full access to live interactive classes, online course materials, and a free companion PDF handbook titled Fundamentals of Linux for Cloud Learners, written by the instructor specifically to complement the curriculum.

Beyond standard instruction, students in Cohort 8 benefit from dedicated mentorship and specialized preparation for the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Linux Essentials Certification, though individual exam vouchers are excluded. Upon completion, graduates gain lifelong entry into the active WirfonCloud Community to foster ongoing career networking and collaboration.

To expand access, WirfonCloud offered an exclusive 33 percent tuition discount for this cohort, bringing total tuition to FCFA 100,000 alongside flexible payment options. The program’s ongoing success builds on a strong history of regional impact, featured through student success stories across Africa, including testimonial videos available on the official WirfonCloud YouTube channel.

Detailed program information and updates on future cohorts remain accessible on the academy’s official portals, www.wirfoncloud.com and academy.wirfoncloud.com, or directly via WhatsApp at +250791921156.

Desmond Chamako Attributes Historic Three-Medal Sweep & Pro License To Discipline, Consistency

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Fresh off a remarkable three-medal performance at the just ended 2026 World Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, Cameroonian bodybuilder Desmond Khan Awa alias Desmond Chamako has credits hard work, consistency and relentless discipline for his ascension to the professional ranks.

**Desmond Chamako, speaking while presenting his medals** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Competing on home soil during the World Fitness Federation event that took place from July 24-28 in Yaounde, Awa delivered a standout performance across multiple divisions. He secured a gold medal in the classic men’s physique category, earning the title of world champion, and placed second in the men’s physique category to claim a silver medal.

His gold-medal victory qualified him to step onto the stage with professional competitors that same day, where he earned a second silver medal and officially secured his international professional license.

Speaking to reporters Friday August 7 in Yaounde, Desmond Chamako described the intense physical toll required to prepare for world-class competition, where athletes undergo extreme dehydration and strict diet protocols to emphasize muscle definition.

**Desmond Chamako** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

“It was very difficult because with bodybuilding, you don’t actually know your opponent until the day of the competition,” Desmond Chamako said. “During the preparation, you don’t eat. You stay dry from morning till you compete. You don’t even drink water — you just sip small amounts of water so your stomach isn’t full and you can present your muscles to the judges.”

Despite the intense pressure of competing against top international athletes, Desmond Chamako said his prior experience competing on international stages in Morocco and Dubai helped him stay composure under the spotlight.

“I had to challenge my competitors on stage because they also had great bodies, but I needed to present my body like an artist,” Desmond Chamako said. “On stage, you gain the judges’ attention if you are relaxed and don’t feel tense.”

Awa’s path to the global stage began in 2015 in Bamenda, where he started training in a small local gym with makeshift equipment constructed from sand and cement. Sociopolitical unrest in the region forced him to relocate to Yaounde in 2020, where he continued to refine his craft.

His dedication paid off in 2023 when he captured his first national title, catching the attention of the Cameroon Federation of Bodybuilding, which selected him to represent the nation at the 2026 world championship.

Looking ahead, the newly minted professional plans to step up his regimen, preparing his own meals and consuming six strict, nutrient-dense meals a day consisting primarily of chicken, rice and sweet potatoes.

Desmond Chamako hopes his achievements will serve as a blueprint for aspiring athletes across the continent.

“There is no big deal in bodybuilding. All you need is consistency, hard work and patience, because you can’t build muscles in one day or one week,” Desmond Chamako said. “It is high time for me to start inspiring the younger generation because I am no longer an amateur. I am a professional bodybuilder with the trophy and license to prove it, and sport is ultimately about health.”

Desmond Chamako’s manager, Desmond Ayima Teneng, expressed high ambitions for the champion’s future, noting that the goal is to see Desmond Chamako compete on the world’s biggest international stages, including future Olympic platforms, to continue making his country proud.

Sport analysts say, from modest beginnings with sand-filled weights to standing on the world podium, Desmond Chamako has proven that dedication and patience can turn dreams into reality.

**Desmond Chamako ’s manager, Desmond Ayima Teneng speaking** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Football Fans Demand Overhaul As Shadows Of Corruption Continue To Loom

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Debate over the integrity of Cameroonian football has erupted once again across street corners, leaving fans and observers questioning what is really happening behind the scenes of football in the country. While supporters desperately search for clear answers regarding the governance of the game, transparency remains elusive, leaving critical questions unanswered.

**Colombe FC v Avion FC during the 2024 football season** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The latest firestorm was sparked by the President of Mankon Football Club, who revealed he received a phone call from unidentified individuals demanding a bribe to guarantee his team’s promotion into the Elite Two Championship. The bombshell allegation has reignited a fierce national debate over whether competition on the pitch is driven by merit or shadowy backroom transactions.

Whether the claims from the Mankon FC President are eventually proven true or not, sports enthusiasts insist the situation cannot be ignored, pointing out that where there is smoke, there is usually fire. Whispers of widespread favoritism in both the Elite One and Elite Two championships have circulated for years, but recent events have led many to believe that certain clubs enjoy systematically rigged advantages.

“From the declarations of the President of Mankon Football Club, I want to think or believe that football in this country is not by merit,” one fan said, voicing a growing skepticism shared by many. “That I am sure because when you watch a first or second division match, you are tempted to conclude so many things.”

For many supporters, that skepticism is reinforced weekend after weekend by officiating that appears entirely one-sided.

“How would you explain that once a certain referee keeps handling matches of a particular team, that team is bound to win no matter how the opponent plays,” another fan pointed out. “Even those of us sitting on the stands can testify that some refereeing decisions are biased.”

Those who follow the domestic leagues closely argue that the issue runs far deeper than a few questionable calls or isolated bribe attempts. To them, the entire structure of Cameroonian football is decaying from within, threatening to pull down every level of the sport if left unaddressed.

“Our football system needs complete overhaul because we can now see that corruption and others have taken over the football landscape,” a sports lover explained. “Our different football categories are not succeeding and everything seems to be falling.”

“I am so sure that this favouritism and corruption in our football is the reason we are not succeeding. Just look at our teams when they go for continental competitions—they are a shadow of themselves. You start to ask how they even managed to get there in the first place,” another fan said.

The frustration extends beyond individual matches to the broader administration of sports across the country. Fans openly wonder how a nation with such a rich footballing heritage allowed its domestic competitions to drift into such disrepair.

“We need to rethink because our football just like other sporting disciplines is not working because of reasons best known,” another spectator said. “When has our football made us happy again? Everything is just going down. Even in the country, championships go on the whims and caprices of some people with results determined before the match is played.”

As public outrage continues to mount and pressure builds on league authorities to respond, rumors are beginning to circulate that the Mankon FC incident is merely the tip of the iceberg—and that an imminent revelation could soon expose the exact names and figures operating within the shadows of the league.

Bambalang–Bafanji Road Deteriorates, Disrupting Travel and Trade in Northwest Cameroon

By Brian Mboh

The Bambalang–Bafanji road in Ngoketunjia Division, North-West Region, Cameroon, continues to deteriorate, with several sections severely eroded and at risk of collapse.

**Deteriorating Bambalang–Bafanji road in Ngoketunjia Division, North-West Region, Cameroon**

The worsening condition is making travel increasingly difficult for cyclists, commercial drivers and other road users. Some portions have been badly damaged, increasing the risk of accidents and slowing movement along the route.

According to a sister media outlet, residents say the poor state of the road is also disrupting the transportation of passengers, farm produce and other goods. Longer travel times and rising transport costs are adding pressure to businesses and communities that rely on the corridor.

The Bambalang–Bafanji road is an important link between Cameroon’s North-West and West regions. Its continued decline is affecting trade, local economic activity and the daily movement of people between the two regions.

Road users are calling on the government to carry out urgent rehabilitation works before the road becomes completely impassable.

Archbishop Of Canterbury Urges Cameroon Anglicans To ‘Stand Firm’ Amid Life’s Struggles

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Sarah Mullally, spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, has urged faithful in Cameroon to “stand firm” as they navigate their daily struggles.

**The Most Rev. Sarah Mullally greets the faithful as she arrives at St. John’s Anglican Church in Yaounde for her farewell Eucharist, following her five-day pastoral visit to Cameroon** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

The Most Rev. Mullally made the statement Aug. 4 at Saint John’s Anglican Church in Yaounde during her farewell Mass, marking the final day of a five-day pastoral visit to Cameroon that began July 31.

Drawing inspiration from Matthew 14:22-36, the account of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm, she told the congregation, “I encourage you to stand firm in the faith, to know that God sees you, that Jesus sees you, that God is with you both in the wrestling and in the blessing.”

Reflecting on the community’s diversity, the Archbishop acknowledged that while difference often accompanies richness, it can also be perceived as a threat. She said differences and diversity can serve as a route to dialogue and peace rather than a wall of division.

“In the Anglican Communion, we have learned that our differences don’t have to be a barrier to relationships,” she said. “When we acknowledge our differences, when we find the strength to come to the table together, we can learn from one another. We can find a unity in our common desire to follow Jesus Christ, to share his love and his peace in the world.”

She continued, “Jesus calls all people to follow him. He calls fishermen, traders, tax collectors. He calls men and women. He calls young people, children. He calls his people to get into the boat and build up this missionary church. Hallelujah! But Jesus doesn’t promise that the way will always be easy, but he does promise that he will be with us always.”

**Front view of the St. John’s Anglican Church in Yaounde** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

Archbishop Mullally said Christians can have confidence in Jesus when they turn to the Lord and cry out for help, because Jesus is close at hand and sees them. She said Jesus hears all cries and lifts everyone from the waves.

“So put your faith in Jesus,” she said. “Fix your eyes upon him, for it is him who commands the winds and the waves. Keep your heart alert to his voice and his word of peace. Trust in the mighty name of Jesus and in his authority alone to say, for he is your strength. He sees you.”

She added, “As we follow Jesus, just like the disciples, we are called to get out of the boat in new places, to be missionary people who share the good news of Jesus for the healing of the nations. Our world cries out for healing. Millions of people live in fear.”

Archbishop Mullally praised the Cameroonian church for its efforts in reconciliation, saying, “You are strong because you sit together at the table, building partnerships for peace. You nurture your congregations, seeking to be places of healing and reconciliation. Peace requires genuine and inclusive dialogue. It needs to have everyone around the table, and that requires courage. It requires strength.”

Having spent time in Ghana and Cameroon, the Most Rev. Mullally said she leaves profoundly inspired and full of hope for the church. She said that during her pastoral visit, she has “seen with my own eyes, touched with my hands, and have felt with my whole heart the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” and she gave thanks to God.

**The Most Rev. Sarah Mullally handing gift to the host priest during her farewell Eucharist at St. John’s Anglican Church in Yaounde** *(Photo: Mainimo Etienne)*

In Cameroon, the Most Rev. Mullally said she had been struck by the beauty of the landscape of “Africa in miniature.”

“I was inspired to hear about the mission of the church, supporting agricultural projects in communities on the outskirts of this city and to see the church grow through its ministry,” she said. “The riches of diversity of Cameroon is such a blessing.”

Before arriving in Cameroon, Archbishop Mullally spent time in Ghana, where she spoke with the Anglican community there. During her five days in Cameroon, she visited the Biaka Foundation in Buea before meeting local Anglican clergy in Limbe. She preached at a welcome service of Holy Communion at Bishopscourt in Douala and visited the city’s Anglican cathedral and a local parish.

She also visited Ste Thérèse, Yeug’assi, on the outskirts of Yaounde, paid a courtesy call on Cameroon’s prime minister and the secretary general at the president’s office, and met with clergy of various denominations in the country.

**The Most Rev. Sarah Mullally administering Holy Communion during her farewell Eucharist at St. John’s Anglican Church in Yaounde** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

Cameroon Secures 5 Medals, Finishes 16th At 2026 Commonwealth Games

By Brian Mboh

Cameroon wrapped up its participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday, Aug. 2, earning five total medals. The delegation finished 16th overall with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals across five disciplines and adaptive sports.

**Cameroon’s delegation to the 2026 Commonwealth Games**

Sprinter Emmanuel Eseme secured Cameroon’s lone gold medal, setting a new record in the men’s 100-meter sprint. His victory led the country’s performance, which also included strong finishes in judo and shot put.

The 21-athlete delegation had collected three medals heading into the final day before two judo competitors added to the tally. Franck Tamazang earned a bronze in the 100-kilogram category, while Richelle Soppi Mbella took silver in the women’s over 78-kilogram final. Cameroon’s remaining hardware included two bronze medals in judo and a bronze in the men’s F57 shot put.

The five-medal performance marks an improvement from Cameroon’s results at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Australia topped the overall medal standings with 171 medals, including 70 gold, followed by England with 110 medals, including 29 gold. The next Commonwealth Games will take place in Ahmedabad, India, in 2030.

Minister Ousmane Mey Urges ISSEA Graduates to Leverage Cutting-Edge Skills for Development

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Alamine Ousmane Mey, has urged 108 graduating students from the Sub-Regional Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (ISSEA) to maintain cutting-edge skills to effectively support public policy and economic development.

***Authorities and graduates posed for a family picture after the event***

Minister Ousmane Mey made the statement during the institution’s graduation ceremony on July 31 in Yaounde. He presided over the event accompanied by Director General of AFRISTAT, Paul-Henri Nguema Meye; the Director General of ISSEA, Dr. Marcel Opoumba; the Governor of the BEAC, Yvon Sana Bangui; and the Representative of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ISSEA, Congolese Ambassador to Cameroon, Daniel Ngassiki.

In his address, the Economy Minister emphasized the growing importance of statistical information in conducting public policy. He noted that the acceleration of digital transformation and the emergence of artificial intelligence-based technologies require states to access reliable and up-to-date information to guide their development strategies effectively.

Minister Ousmane Mey stressed that data quality now determines the relevance of decisions made in fields as diverse as health, education, infrastructure and the fight against poverty. He encouraged the new graduates to demonstrate professionalism, methodological rigor and ethics in carrying out their future responsibilities.

“Knowledge and skills are never enough,” Minister Ousmane Mey said, stressing the importance of ongoing training to remain competitive. He encouraged the young statisticians and economists to maintain cutting-edge skills to effectively support public policy and economic development.

Meanwhile, the boss of AFRISTAT, Nguema Meye urged the graduates to demonstrate integrity, humility and perseverance as the pillars of their careers.

“Your reputation will be your greatest asset… Your integrity can never be taken from you,” Nguema Meye said, urging the future leaders to exercise leadership based on service, the courage to make decisions and talent development.

Nguema Meye added that the 2026 generation has a historic opportunity thanks to artificial intelligence and collaborative tools. He called on them to “invent African solutions to African problems” to strengthen digital sovereignty and produce data for the benefit of Africa.

The Director General of ISSEA presented the institution’s major strategic directions. In response to the evolving fields of statistics and economics, Opoumba announced the continued modernization of training programs, which now integrate artificial intelligence, Big Data, geospatial data and new analytical methods.

He used the opportunity to confirmed the upcoming creation of a doctoral school, made possible by the institution’s evolving status.

“ISSEA is thus becoming not only a vocational training school, but also a fully-fledged higher education institution,” Opoumba said, expressing his ambition to make the institute an African center of excellence in statistics, economics and data science.

Representing the Chairman of the Board of Directors, H.E Ngassiki commended ISSEA’s 42 years of contribution to training the subregion’s leaders. He stressed the need to support this momentum by establishing a doctoral school and expanding the institution’s infrastructure.

To the Cameroonian authorities, Ngassiki reiterated his plea for the allocation of land to house the institute’s future campus. To the graduates, he recommended “integrity, lifelong learning, and loyalty to ISSEA,” reminding them that the school’s name is now synonymous with competence and rigor across the continent.

A total of 108 graduates received their diplomas in a context marked by the rise of artificial intelligence, data science and profound changes in statistical systems. The graduating class included 19 advanced statistical technicians, 32 statistical analysts, 42 statistical economists and 15 long-cycle statistical economists.

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