Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo begin their CAF Champions League campaign against Stade Malien on Sunday, 6 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.
The match is part of the first preliminary round of the competition and will be broadcast on CAF TV. It marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs, who have never previously faced each other in an official fixture.
Colombe Sportive, based in Sangmelima, go into the tie with strong domestic credentials. They are the reigning champions of Cameroon after finishing top of the league ahead of Dynamo de Douala.
That success secured a second consecutive title for the club, following their first championship triumph in the 2024-25 season. Their recent progress has raised expectations ahead of their continental campaign, with the Cameroonian side aiming to carry that momentum into the opening leg.
The match will offer Colombe Sportive an opportunity to establish an advantage before the return fixture in the two-leg preliminary-round tie. Playing at home is expected to add to their confidence as they take on one of Mali’s most established clubs.
Stade Malien bring considerable continental experience to the contest. The historic Malian club have regularly featured in African competitions and are familiar with tournaments organised by the Confederation of African Football.
That background gives Stade Malien an important source of experience, but they will have to deal with the challenge of playing away from home against a Colombe Sportive side enjoying a particularly strong period domestically.
Colombe Sportive’s back-to-back league titles have created a winning mentality within the squad. Their recent record has also provided the team with belief as they prepare to face a more experienced opponent on the African stage.
Africafoot’s assessment is that Colombe Sportive have the qualities to gain the upper hand. The hosts are expected to rely on their intensity, collective strength and confidence from their two successive national championships as they seek to make a positive start.
Stade Malien’s experience could make the contest difficult, but Colombe Sportive’s domestic form and home advantage may prove decisive. A narrow victory would give the Cameroonian champions a valuable platform for the second match of the tie.
Match details
- Competition: CAF Champions League, first preliminary round - Fixture: Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo v Stade Malien - Date: Sunday, 6 September 2026 - Kick-off: 15:00 GMT - Venue: Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde - Broadcast: CAF TV
Africafoot’s prediction is a 1-0 victory for Colombe Sportive.