Benin – Ligue 1: SOBEMAP takes the lead, 13th matchday roundup

Victorious at the Buffles FC of Parakou’s home ground, AS SOBEMAP takes the top spot in the standings after an intense 13th day, marred by the premature stoppage of the Dadjè–Hodio match.

The 13th matchday of Benin’s Ligue 1 delivered its verdict on Tuesday, with surprises and notable incidents. Headlining, AS SOBEMAP made a big statement by defeating the Buffles of Parakou on their turf (1-0), a precious victory that allows the port city club to take sole possession of the lead with 28 points. Behind, the battle for the podium remains intense: Loto-Popo secured the essential win against the Dragons (2-1), while Coton FC was held to a draw by Bani Gansè (1-1).

The day, however, was marked by the sad episode in Aplahoué, where the match between Dadjè and Hodio was halted in the 78th minute. Trailing 0-4, the defending champions found themselves with only six players on the pitch, no longer meeting the regulatory conditions to continue after several withdrawals during the match.

At the bottom of the table, the situation remains worrying for Ayéma, ASVO and Dadjè, stuck in the red zone. Conversely, ASPAC and AS Cotonou continue their rise, confirming that the championship remains more hotly contested than ever.

The standings after the 13th day:

1st AS SOBEMAP FC – 28 pts (+11)
2nd Buffles FC – 27 pts (+08)
3rd Loto-Popo FC – 24 pts (+07)
4th Coton FC – 24 pts (+05)
5th ASPAC FC – 23 pts (+11)
6th Dynamo d’Abomey – 21 pts (+03)
7th AS Cotonou – 21 pts (+02)
8th Damissa FC – 20 pts (+02)
9th Hodio FC – 18 pts (+00)
10th Espoir FC – 17 pts (-03)
11th Dragons FC – 15 pts (-04)
12th JS Pobè FC – 12 pts (-04)
13th Ayéma FC – 11 pts (-04)
14th USS-Kraké – 10 pts (-05)
15th US Cavaliers – 10 pts (-06)
16th ASVO FC – 10 pts (-08)
17th Dadjè – 10 pts (-09)
18th Bani Gansè – 08 pts (-06)