The release of the list of local players called up for the Indomitable Lions' training camp, scheduled from March 6 to 10 in Yaoundé, has caused surprise. No player from Colombe Sportive du Sud appears on this list of 30 names unveiled on March 2, 2026, by David Pagou, despite the club's recent crowning at the FECAFOOT Awards.
Marcel Djialeu, Eyango Priso, and Édouard Sombang, key figures of Colombe, were absent from the list, despite initial information suggesting their call-up. This omission has raised questions, especially since Colombe was named the best team of the season at the FECAFOOT Awards on February 27. After winning the Elite One championship, it was expected that several of its players would be considered to join the Indomitable Lions.
Some observers draw a link between this absence and the incidents that occurred during the Champions Trophy final on February 26. During this match against Panthère du Ndé, Colombe's players left the field to protest a penalty awarded to the opponent. FECAFOOT reacted to this incident, emphasizing that the referee had ended the match after Colombe's withdrawal and that the file had been forwarded to the competent legal committees. The federation also recalled that technical decisions fall under the authority of the referee.
Although no official justification has been provided by coach David Pagou, this absence is interpreted by some as a sanction against Colombe du Dja et Lobo. Édouard Sombang, who participated in the CAN 2025 in Morocco, seemed on track for continued progress within the national team. The matter continues to stir controversy in Cameroonian football circles.
