UNIFFAC Zonal Women’s Champions League Qualifiers: FC Ebolowa and 15 de Agosto Make Statement Starts

The 2025 UNIFFAC Zonal Qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League kicked off in style on Wednesday in Malabo, as Cameroonian champions FC Ebolowa and Equatorial Guinea’s powerhouse 15 de Agosto both registered commanding opening victories.

From the lunchtime whistle, the Estadio de Malabo crackled with energy. FC Ebolowa’s Tim Shalom and her teammates wasted no time asserting their aggressive, high-pressing style — and it didn’t take long for it to pay off.

Goals from Brunelle Ornella and Raïssa Nnanga sealed a professional win for the Cameroonian side, while 15 de Agosto treated the home crowd to a five-star performance. Christiane Ebenye Essombe, Senyebia Awissi Tassa, and Cecilia Akeng all found the net — but the spotlight belonged to Cameroon international Émilienne Endale, whose brace lit up the scoreline.

FC Ebolowa made their intentions clear early on against Football Academie M’Sichana, with captain Ornella Brunelle Beulou striking in just the fourth minute to set the tone. After halftime, Raïssa Nnanga iced the cake with a clinical finish in the 54th minute.

A 2-0 win, three points, and a performance full of purpose — it’s a perfect start for the Cameroonian champions, who look determined to leave their mark on this competition.

Fresh off their first-ever Cameroonian league title, FC Ebolowa didn’t just qualify — they battled their way in. With 26-goal sensation Flora Kameni leading the line, they edged Lekié FF on goal difference to secure their ticket to the qualifiers.

Now, they’re out to prove they belong among Africa’s elite.

For FC Ebolowa’s coach Oudou Kpoumie, this tournament is more than a football competition — it’s personal. Back in 2021, he guided Louves Minproff into the semis, only to fall short against Malabo Kings.

“This is my second time participating in this competition in Malabo. My first attempt didn’t go as planned, but I’ve learned a lot since,” said Kpoumie, who now sees this as his chance for redemption.

Team captain Ornella echoed the sentiment, praising the CAF initiative:

“We’re laser-focused and ready to give our all. We thank CAF for creating this platform to uplift women’s football across Africa.”

Despite numerous attempts, no Cameroonian club has reached the finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League. From Louves Minproff’s early exits to AS AWA’s double appearance and Lekié Filles’ recent campaign, the story has remained one of near-misses. But FC Ebolowa could be the team to rewrite that script.

Émilienne Endale was in unstoppable form for 15 de Agosto, netting twice in a stunning 5-0 demolition of AC Colombe. The hosts took control in the 28th minute through Christiane Ebenye Essombe, and within minutes, Endale added a second.

The onslaught continued in the second half with Senyebia Awissi Tassa scoring in the 71st minute, before Endale and Cecilia Akeng struck again in the 87th to complete the rout.

A near-flawless performance that leaves 15 de Agosto brimming with confidence.

This emphatic win sends a strong message to the rest of the pack. 15 de Agosto are here to dominate — and could well follow in the footsteps of Malabo Kings, who proudly represented the UNIFFAC region back in 2021.

The tournament heats up on September 20, 2025, with two massive matchups at the Estadio de Malabo:

• 15 de Agosto vs M’Sichana – "Clash of the Titans", kick-off at 14:00 CAT

• FC Ebolowa vs TP Elect-Sports – kick-off at 17:00 CAT

With just a three match days left, every point counts. The race is on between 15 de Agosto, AC Colombe, M’Sichana, FC Ebolowa, and Tout Puissant Elect-Sport Féminin de Ndjamena to clinch the UNIFFAC crown — and earn the golden ticket to the continental showdown, where TP Mazembe currently reign as champions.