Semassi de Sokodé, one of Togo’s most historic football clubs, will compete in the second division for the upcoming 2024-2025 season following confirmation from the Togolese Football Federation (FTF). The announcement, issued by the FTF on Thursday evening, has dashed hopes among some supporters that the club might avoid relegation and retain a spot in the top flight.
Ranked 13th at the close of the 2023-2024 season, Semassi’s drop to the lower division was confirmed in response to widespread speculation about potential changes to the league structure.
There had been discussions about expanding the top-tier league to 16 teams, which would have allowed Semassi and other struggling teams to remain in the first division.
However, the FTF’s decision made clear that the upcoming first division campaign will be limited to 14 clubs, based strictly on last season’s final standings.
“The first division championship will begin on December 15, 2024. It will be contested by 14 clubs, in accordance with the final ranking of the previous season,” the federation’s statement read.
This ruling means that Semassi, along with Kakadl, Gbikinti, and Dyto—who finished 14th, 15th, and 16th respectively—will all move down to the second division. For Semassi, this represents a significant setback.
The “Tchaoudjo Warriors,” as they are known, have a long-standing legacy within Togolese football, but recent seasons have seen the club struggle to keep pace amid mounting structural and financial challenges.
Despite their difficulties, Semassi’s management and fanbase had hoped for a revival, especially following an ambitious start to last season’s second phase under the guidance of new head coach Olufade Adekamni.
However, their efforts proved insufficient to overcome the deficit created by a poor first half of the season, and the club ultimately finished in the relegation zone.
The second division season, which will feature 16 teams, is set to kick off on January 12, 2025. For Semassi, the move presents an opportunity to rebuild and focus on earning promotion back to the top tier.
Yet the road ahead is challenging, as they will now face well-prepared second-division teams who are equally eager to climb the ranks.
Semassi’s relegation highlights ongoing issues within Togolese club football, particularly around financing and development for local teams.
For the Tchaoudjo faithful, the news is a heavy blow, but it may also serve as a call for restructuring within the club to reclaim its place among Togo’s top teams in future seasons.
