CameroonOnline.ORG | December 14, 2025
In a stunning reversal of fortune, Panthère du Ndé, known as the “Beast of the West,” has claimed the 2025 Cameroon Cup, dethroning the defending champions, Colombe du Dja et Lobo. The final, held at the iconic Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, culminated in a heart-stopping 3–1 victory for Panthère via a penalty shootout, following a tense 120 minutes of deadlocked football.
This victory is more than just a cup win; it represents a significant shift in the domestic football landscape. Colombe du Dja et Lobo, hailing from the South Region, had established themselves as a formidable force in recent years. Their defeat by a team from the West Region underscores the intense regional rivalries and the competitive parity that defines Cameroonian football. For Panthère, a club with a passionate fanbase in Bangangté, this trophy is a landmark achievement, potentially signaling their rise as a new powerhouse.
The match itself was a tactical chess match. Colombe, the experienced holders, likely sought to control possession and leverage their championship pedigree. Panthère, the hungry challengers, would have relied on physicality, pace, and the formidable pressure that earned them their “Beast” moniker. The fact that neither side could break the deadlock in open play speaks to the defensive discipline and high stakes of the occasion.
The penalty shootout transformed into a definitive test of nerve. Winning 3-1 suggests Panthère’s goalkeeper emerged as a hero, making crucial saves, while their takers displayed ice-cool composure. Conversely, for Colombe, the missed penalties mark a painful end to their reign. In Cameroonian football, where knockout competitions are revered, the psychological impact of such a shootout loss can be profound for both the victor and the vanquished.
This result has immediate and future implications. Panthère du Ndé now earns the right to represent Cameroon in the CAF Confederation Cup, providing a valuable platform for continental exposure and revenue. The win also injects immense pride and momentum into the Ndé Division, potentially inspiring a new generation of players in the region. For Colombe, the challenge is to regroup and reclaim their status, setting the stage for compelling future encounters between these two clubs.
The 2025 Cameroon Cup final will be remembered as the night the “Beast of the West” roared loudest in Yaoundé, etching Panthère du Ndé’s name into the history books and reshaping the hierarchy of Cameroonian club football.
