Benin Professional League: Loto-Popo held in an opening round dominated by draws

The Benin Professional League officially kicked off its 2025-2026 season on Saturday, September 27. After several years of reforms and experimentation, the league is returning to its linear format, which had been abandoned in recent seasons.

Eighteen clubs will battle for the national crown, which grants access to continental competition. Absent from the league’s top two positions for the past two seasons, Loto-Popo has set high ambitions for this campaign, aiming to reclaim a spot on the continental stage.

The Lotoboys want to rediscover their former glory and secure continental football once again, a goal that requires consistency throughout the season. However, for their opening match, the Grand-Popo side failed to take all three points. Facing Damissa FC in front of their home crowd, the seaside club was forced to settle for a goalless draw (0-0).

A less satisfying result from a points perspective, but one that coach Cheikh Gueye sees as a positive start to the season. “You could say we dropped points. But you know, in the league, the important thing is to keep adding up. In the end, we take a point it’s not entirely negative, even if we regret losing two points at home.”

Three wins and only five goals on Matchday 1

Out of eight matches played, only three clubs managed to secure victories.

JS Pobè claimed one of the standout wins of the round by beating USS Kraké (2-1). The Dragons of Ouémé, true to their reputation as a historic club, edged past Bani Gansé (1-0). Finally, Aspac made a strong start by taking all three points away at Espoir (1-0).

Elsewhere, defenses had the upper hand over attacks. Five matches ended in goalless stalemates: Dynamo FC vs Buffles du Borgou, ASVO vs Hodio, Ayema vs Sobemap, AS Takunnin vs Béké, and Cavaliers vs AS Cotonou.

Benin League Pro: Matchday 1 Results

JS Pobè 2-1 USS Kraké

ASVO 0-0 Hodio

Bani Gansè 0-1 Dragons

Cavaliers 0-0 AS Cotonou

Ayéma 0-0 SOBEMAP

Espoir 0-1 ASPAC

Dynamo Abomey 0-0 Buffles

Loto-Popo 0-0 Damissa

Dadjè vs Coton (postponed)

Provisional Standings

1. JS Pobè: 3 pts (+1)
2. ASPAC: 3 pts (+1)
3. Dragons: 3 pts (+1)
4. AS Cotonou: 1 pt (0)
5. ASVO 1 pt (0)
6. Ayéma 1 pt (0)
7. Buffles 1 pt (0)
8. Damissa 1 pt (0)
9. Dynamo Abomey 1 pt (0)
10. Hodio 1 pt (0)
11. Loto-Popo 1 pt (0)
12. Cavaliers 1 pt (0)
13. SOBEMAP 1 pt (0)
14. Coton 0 pt (0) (-1 match)
15. Dadjè 0 pt (0) (-1 match)
16. Bani Gansè 0 pt (-1)
17. Espoir 0 pt (-1)
18. USS-Kraké 0 pt (-1)
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