CEFL Quarter Final: Titans in Thonon
On Saturday 16 May the Manchester Titans played the current French and European Champions, the Thonon Black Panthers, in the second round of the 2026 Central European Football League Championship, the Champions League for European American Football. The team traveled to the town of Thonon-les-Bains on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva in the East of France and got to face some of the best talent European Football has to offer.
With the Alps glistening in the background, both teams sang their respective national anthems in front of a crowd of over 2,000 (not bad for a town with a population of 38,000) and fought hard through all four quarters of the game. The final score was 55-8 to Thonon which means the Black Panthers will proceed to the semi-final and host the Firenze Guelfi at home.
Linebacker Abdul Madougou (#18) and Defensive Lineman Mike Wood (#52). Photo by Tom Lebret.
After a long journey back to Manchester we sat down with Head Coach George Foster to get his thoughts on the game. The fixture against the Thonon Black Panthers was his second experience in the CEFL, but for the vast majority of his traveling squad it was the first.
Tell us about the trip to Thonon, what was it like for the team to go out there to play the European Champions?
“It was an absolutely fantastic trip and a wonderful experience across the board. Thonon are an incredibly talented team and they were in playoff form so hit us at full speed. With thousands in the crowd the atmosphere was electric and the rendition of La Marseillaise will ring in my ears forever.”
WR Matt Wilson (#81). Photo by Alex Bertrand.
Obviously the scoreline isn't what we'd hoped but still a very good showing for British American Football for anyone who watched the game. What are some of your main takeaways from the fixture?
“My only frustration is that the scoreline got away from us. We fought hard and held our own for large chunks of the game but we couldn't do it consistently enough. Thonon applied pressure throughout and jumped on every mistake we made, something the best teams do. We need to learn from how they controlled the game but on an individual play by play basis we were able to get our share of wins. So, overall feelings are incredibly positive but with plenty of learning opportunities at hand.”
Titans Centre Scott Tomlinson (#56) and the Titans Offensive Line. Photo by Alex Bertrand.
Are there any Titans players you think really stepped up in this game?
“There absolutely are! To name just a few - Sam Wilson, a wide receiver who joined us just this year, had an incredible game, as did LB Abdul [Madougou]. Defensive backs FJ and Djoss [Balela] showed up in a big way - both on and off the field. When heads were down and during tough moments Djoss was always there lifting up our sideline, keeping everyone’s heads in the game. Another name worth mentioning is our rookie Matio [Dias Narcy] who joined us this year from Manchester Metropolitan University. He’s only 19 and he stepped up when our starting RT Joel Shebioba went down on the first offensive play. Enormous boots to fill in a high pressure game and he did a fantastic job.”
WR Sam Wilson (#88) with an incredible catch down the sideline. Photo by Alex Bertrand.
What are some areas where you think the British game needs to improve to get better results on the international stage?
“There are a few areas that simply aren't replicated in the British game, the two main areas are the Quarterback play and overall speed of the game. Josh [Mills, Titans Quarterback] fought incredibly hard for us and showed he has the arm talent to beat even the strongest of European defences. However, watching Mateo [Renteria, Black Panthers Quarterback] control the game from the line of scrimmage, killing plays and checking into favourable looks, was something you just don't see very often in the UK. Combine that with his ability to manipulate the pocket and throw off-platform to excellent skill players, and you have a very difficult offence to stop. The second point follows on from this - the speed of thought and ability to process information is found throughout the team. Their defence is lightning fast in mind and body, something that is rare in the UK game.”
Wide Receivers Matt Wilson (#81), Sam Wilson (#88), and Offensive Lineman Josh Wallace (#68) celebrating Matt’s touchdown. Photo by Rory Macnair.
As the Head Coach, what would you say is your goal for this team and for the wider sport in the UK in general?
“During the trip we asked players for their favourite inspirational quotes. Mine? "Be the change that you wish to see.” Our goal as a management team is to create opportunities for our players. Whether that is developing them to succeed at their university team, developing them for GB or their own individual European adventures, organising trips such as this, or even just developing them as people and giving them a community where they feel at home. I have been incredibly lucky to have experienced this throughout my life in the various sports that I have been a part of. I see it as a duty, but also a privilege, to steer the Titans, and British American Football in general, towards a future that can offer this to the next generations coming through."
Post-game handshakes at Stade Joseph Moynat, Saturday 16 May 2026. Photo by Victor Bacquin.
We spoke briefly with Maddy, the Titans' Team Manager, who worked closely with the Thonon staff in the run-up to the game.
“On behalf of our club I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Thonon Black Panthers for being excellent hosts and for a fantastic game of football. It was a privilege to play under the lights at your home ground in front of your dedicated fans and to feel so welcomed by everyone. You put on an incredible show. Thank you for your kindness, your hard work, and for this unforgettable experience. We hope to meet you again soon!”
Manchester Titans and Thonon Black Panthers at Stade Joseph Moynat, Saturday 16 May 2026. Photo by Coralie Bizart.