Cameroon has successfully launched the IHF Challenge Trophy 2026, demonstrating its ambitions from the start of the tournament. The cadet team, victorious in the 2025 edition, began the competition on Tuesday, April 28, at the Japoma gymnasium in Douala. Coach Olivier Ntsama's team, competing in Group B, dominated the Chad team with a score of 31-19.
Ntsama attributed this victory to his team's discipline, both in defense and attack. "Discipline is the key," he said. In contrast, the Chadian coach, Ahmid Daga, explained the defeat by his team's lack of experience, pointing out that nine of his players were participating in this competition for the first time and that two of the three experienced players had received a red card.
Daga remains optimistic, believing that this initial setback could serve as a catalyst for his team to bounce back. In the other opening matches, Congo recorded a resounding victory against Gabon (65-10) in Group A, while in the juniors, Cameroon beat Chad (44-30) and Gabon took over Congo (32-19).
However, the day was marked by logistical problems, including repeated power outages at the Japoma gymnasium, disrupting matches and even causing a one-hour stoppage for one of them. Abba Oumaté, president of the Cameroonian Handball Federation, deplored these interruptions, highlighting the additional costs and the negative impact on the country's image. He launched an appeal for help to avoid such cuts in the future.
The IHF Challenge Trophy serves as a structured development pathway for emerging handball nations. It provides essential international exposure, contributing to the development of national teams, coaches and referees.
The Zone IV men's and women's tournaments of the IHF Trophy Africa are taking place in Douala from April 28 to May 2, 2026. The event serves as qualification for the Continental Phase of the IHF Trophy Africa.
