LIVESTREAM CEFL Bowl XIX: Thonon Black Panthers @ Calanda Broncos, June 21, 18:00 CET (6 pm, 12 noon ET)
The Calanda Broncos and Thonon Black Panthers clash at Obere Au Stadium in Chur, Switzerland, on June 21 in CEFL Bowl XIX, a historic matchup between two title-hungry teams seeking their first Central European Football League championship title.
Historical context
Both franchises joined the CEFL in 2019 but have fallen short in previous finals. The Broncos lost CEFL Bowl XIV (46–42 to Tirol Raiders) in 2019 and Bowl XVIII (27–14 to the Danube Dragons) in 2024. The Black Panthers dropped Bowl XVII (21–26 to the La Courneve Flash) in 2023. Their lone prior meeting occurred in 2023, with Thonon edging Calanda 38–35 in Switzerland.
2025 playoff journeys
As national champions, both teams received first-round byes. The Broncos dominated the Kragujevac Wild Boars 49–0 in the quarterfinals before grinding out a 17–7 semifinal win over Poland’s Warsaw Eagles. The Black Panthers routed the Badalona Dracs 41–17, then survived the Carlstad Crusaders 28–26 in a nail-biting semifinal decided by failed extra points.
Key players to watch
Calanda’s offense leans on quarterback Robin Sennrich (2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD) and versatile playmaker Maxwell Gray (1 passing TD, 2 receiving TDs). Running backs Amel Adjovi and Noah Bachofen (2 rushing TDs each) balance the attack, while a ball-hawking defense (3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries) anchors critical stops.
Thonon counters with quarterback José Tabora (6 passing TDs), who distributes to receivers Odell Turnbull and Benjamin Lolmede (2 TDs each). Tailback Lucas Davoine (2 rushing TDs) and defensive back Timon Debiez (pick-six vs. Dracs) add explosiveness on both sides.
National league implications
The Broncos enter unbeaten (10–0) in the Swiss league, preparing for domestic semifinals next week. The Black Panthers, fresh off a French league semifinal victory, face Cannes Iron Mask for the national title days after the CEFL Bowl.
Legacy at stake
CEFL Bowl XIX marks the league’s 19th championship, with 10 previous winners. A victory for Calanda would cap their Swiss dominance with continental glory, while Thonon aims to become France’s second CEFL champion. The outcome will set the tone for the CEFL’s milestone 20th season in 2026.
