CEFL BOWL XX
Saturday, 27 June, 19:00 CET
Thonon Black Panthers – Calanda Broncos
Live stream: https://fffa.tv/sportitem/6a30fde06d7cca670123ef73

The past two decades of the CEFL Championship will be rounded off this weekend. CEFL Bowl XX is played on Saturday at the Joseph Moynat stadium in Thonon-les-Bains. The town on the Geneva Lake will host its first big game and the rivals are the Black Panthers and Calanda Broncos. There were no surprises with this duo since they were best-ranked contenders in the pre-season.

An aide-mémoire for the non-Gallic fans: the Black Panthers are the defenders of the CEFL Bowl XIX trophy. It was their premiere CEFL Championship crown and they won it against the same opponent they’re facing now. The Broncos are 0-3 in that department, giving them extra motivation, if not a real edge. All of their previous attempts were on home field but maybe they’ll benefit from a change of scenery, although the hot weather presents a challenge.

The Black Panthers have played the 2026 national finals last weekend. Their opponents in the 30th “Diamond Helmet” were Cannes Iron Mask, same as last year. The ending was also identical, though the Blacks narrowly escaped defeat this time. They were down 17 points at the start of the last quarter, but they won out 49–46 in an incredible finish.

Calanda Broncos are also the reigning champions of their country. Their title is the one from last year. In the current issue of their national championship the team has finished its regular season in second place with an 8–2 record. That puts them in the semifinals, where they’ll most likely welcome Basel Gladiators for a chance to enter Swiss Bowl XL.

For both finalists, the road to the CEFL Bowl XX was a two-step affair. They skipped the first round as the seeded participants and started playing in the quarterfinals. The Black Panthers first decimated Manchester Titans 55–8 in the second round, which led to a barnburner versus Guelfi Firenze that ended 45 – 41. The Broncos have doubled-up on Badalona Dracs in the second round, 48–24 before overpowering Warsaw Eagles in the semifinals, 22–10.

French team’s offense is filled with skilled players who can score. Quarterback Mateo Renteria passed for seven touchdowns in the CEFL Championship this season and added one over the ground. Adel Bafdile is also a multiple threat who posted touchdowns from an interception, a rush and a pass. Pierre-Yves Dayres was good for two scoring catches.

The visitors have their choice of offensive options too. Thomas Smith has been their standout, a tight end who’s punched in four rushing touchdowns and included one catch for a score. Signal caller Robin Sennrich is the second most-productive Swiss player with two passing and one rushing touchdowns. Tailback Noah Bachofen’s tally is two ground scores.

Only four quarters of football separates one of these equal opponents from the anniversary trophy. Every play will matter in this one and the final outcome may hang on a single decision. It’s sure to be a doozy so make sure to watch the live stream.