Benin – Ligue 1: Coton FC holds on, suspense rekindled, roundup of matchday 28

The 28th round of Benin’s Ligue 1 has reshuffled several cards in the title race. Thanks to its valuable victory on Espoir FC’s turf (2-1), Coton FC retains the lead of the championship with a narrow margin over AS SOBEMAP FC, victors at home over USS-Kraké (2-1). The head-to-head duel between the two title contenders remains more than ever alive with two matchdays to go. With 55 points, Coton FC has only a one-point lead over SOBEMAP, which continues to apply pressure thanks to a solid run.

In the upper part of the table, ASPAC FC also pulled off an excellent result. The Port City side beat AS Cotonou on their turf (1-0) and consolidate their third place with 49 points, closing in on Loto-Popo FC, defeated by Ayéma FC (1-0). Behind them, Buffles FC remain in contact after their controlled 2-0 victory over JS Pobè FC. The Borgou club now shares the same total points as AS Cotonou.

In the battle to stay up, the situation becomes critical for Dadjè FC, defeated again, this time by ASVO FC (2-1). With only 14 points on the board, Dadjè seems doomed to relegation. Further down the table, US Cavaliers, held to a draw by Dynamo d’Abomey (1-1), also remains under strong threat. The other matches of this 28th round saw Dragons FC and Damissa FC draw (1-1), just as Bani Gansè FC and Hodio FC.

The standings after the 28th day:

1st — Coton FC : 55 pts (+19)
2nd — AS SOBEMAP FC : 54 pts (+11)
3rd — ASPAC FC : 49 pts (+19)
4th — Loto-Popo FC : 47 pts (+12)
5th — Buffles FC : 45 pts (+10)
6th — AS Cotonou : 45 pts (+10)
7th — Damissa FC : 41 pts (+04)
8th — Dynamo d’Abomey : 39 pts (+01)
9th — Espoir FC : 38 pts (-03)
10th — Hodio FC : 35 pts (+00)
11th — ASVO FC : 34 pts (-03)
12th — Dragons FC : 32 pts (-10)
13th — Ayéma FC : 31 pts (-02)
14th — USS-Kraké : 30 pts (-06)
15th — Bani Gansè : 29 pts (-04)
16th — JS Pobè FC : 27 pts (-07)
17th — US Cavaliers : 23 pts (-12)
18th — Dadjè FC : 14 pts (-39)