Pamplemousses SC’s hopes of adding a fifth MFA Cup title to their trophy cabinet were dashed on Sunday, as they fell to a 2–0 defeat against league champions Cercle de Joachim in the 2025 MFA Cup Final.

Despite the result, the Northerners can take pride in reaching yet another domestic final and securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup for the second year running, as Cercle de Joachim was already qualified for the African Champions League.

Pamplemousses began the season brightly, lifting the 2025 Charity Shield by beating Cercle de Joachim in a penalty shootout. However, inconsistency in league form saw them drop out of title contention, eventually finishing third in the Super League, 16 points behind the champions.

Their journey to the MFA Cup final was a welcome resurgence. Strong performances in earlier rounds reignited hopes of silverware and redemption, but against an unbeaten Cercle de Joachim side, they found themselves outmatched in the final at the Côte-d’Or National Sports Complex.

The match began cautiously, but Cercle de Joachim’s structured play soon took control. Pamplemousses struggled to break through a tight Joachim midfield and were caught out by two well-taken goalsduring the extra-time.

Despite efforts to mount a comeback, including late attacking substitutions, the Northern club couldn’t shift the momentum and had to settle for the runner-up position in this year’s MFA Cup.

“We didn’t do enough in key moments,” said head coach Colin Bell. “But I’m proud of the team for reaching another final. It’s been a season of challenges, and we responded by competing until the very end.”

While the final ended in disappointment, Pamplemousses SC’s qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup ensures they’ll remain on the continental stage next season a platform where the club will aim to grow and represent Mauritius with pride.

The 2025/26 season will be a new chapter for Pamplemousses SC. With a solid core of experienced players, a proven cup mentality, and the added motivation of continental competition, the club’s ambitions remain high.