The first matchday of the Benin Pro League concluded on Sunday, September 29, with reigning champions Coton FC and Damissa FC making strong opening statements. Of the 18 scheduled matches, 17 took place, delivering a range of results that set the tone for the season.
Coton FC, the three-time defending champions, wasted no time asserting their dominance with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Jeunesse Athlétique de Kétou.
Under the guidance of head coach Victor Zvunka, the Ouidah-based team looked sharp, sending a clear message that they are aiming for another title this season.
Zvunka’s side was in control from start to finish, with clinical execution and solid defense, suggesting they remain the team to beat.
Damissa FC also kicked off their campaign in style, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Real Sport FC.
Alongside Coton FC, Damissa is proving to be one of the early pace-setters, topping Pool A after the first round of matches.
Other strong performances came from AS Cotonou, Ayema FC, and Adjidja FC, all of whom secured comfortable victories.
AS Cotonou made an emphatic start with a 3-0 win over Sitatunga FC, while Ayema FC dispatched JSO 3-1.
Adjidja FC managed a 1-0 win over ASVO, rounding out an impressive start for several top clubs.
While several teams made their mark, there were a few early surprises and disappointments.
One of the biggest letdowns came from Bani Gansé FC, who suffered a 1-0 home defeat to USCN.
The loss was unexpected, especially given Bani Gansé’s fourth-place finish last season.
Another team failing to meet expectations was Dadjè FC, last year’s runners-up.
They were held to a 1-1 draw by AS Tonnerre at home in Aplahoué.
Meanwhile, the match between Loto Popo and Hodio FC was postponed due to administrative issues surrounding Loto Popo’s new sports society and its former partner, AS Cotonou.
Matchday 1 results
- Panthères FC 1-1 Buffles FC
- Béké FC 2-1 Abeilles FC
- Dynamo d’Abomey 1-1 Dynamique FC
- Takunnin FC 1-1 Boa FC
- AS Cotonou 3-0 Sitatunga FC
- ASPAC FC 1-1 SOBEMAP FC
- Dragons FC 2-2 USS Kraké
- JSP 0-0 AS Police
- Requins FC 1-1 Aziza FC
- Bani Gansé FC 0-1 USCN
- Dadjè FC 1-1 AS Tonnerre
- Damissa FC 3-0 Réal Sport FC
- Espoir Savalou 2-1 Dynamo PK
- ASVO 0-1 Adjidja FC
- Ayema FC 3-1 JSO
- Coton FC 3-0 JAK
- Etoiles Filantes 0-0 Avrankou OMN
- Loto Popo vs Hodio FC (Postponed)
In Pool A, Damissa FC lead the table with 3 points and a +3 goal difference, followed by Béké FC and Espoir FC.
In Pool B, Coton FC sit atop the standings with 3 points, also with a +3 goal difference, closely followed by AS Cotonou and Ayema FC.
As the season progresses, the early contenders will look to solidify their positions, while those who faltered in the opening round will hope to recover and make their mark in the coming weeks.
With 18 teams in each pool, the competition promises to be fierce and unpredictable.
