CAF Champions League: AS SOBEMAP receives $100,000 after elimination

The continental journey of the Beninese club came to an end on Friday, September 11, 2026, against Rangers International. After two 1-1 draws, first away and then at home in Lomé, the two teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate before a penalty shootout, which the Nigerian club won 5-4.

CAF has confirmed that clubs eliminated during the preliminary rounds of its interclub competitions each receive $100,000 in assistance. This funding is intended to help offset expenses related to travel and logistics for continental campaigns.

For AS SOBEMAP, this support comes after its first participation in the Champions League as the champion of Benin. The club exits the competition without a victory after two draws against Rangers, but its campaign concluded only after the penalty shootout.

The financial support is part of CAF’s policy aimed at reducing the costs of preliminary rounds for African clubs. For the 2026-2027 season, the winner of the Champions League is set to receive $6 million, while teams eliminated before the league phase benefit from the solidarity mechanism.

Rangers International, on the other hand, continues in the competition and will face MC Alger in the second preliminary round. The Algerian club qualified by defeating ASN Nigelec 5-0 at home, following a goalless draw in the first leg.