Gandzasar bring Benin midfielder Mariano Ahouangbo back from NK Olimpija

Mariano Ahouangbo has joined Gandzasar, with the Benin defensive midfielder returning from Slovenian side NK Olimpija.

The 23-year-old Porto Novo-born player makes the move on 16 August 2026 after previously spending part of the 2025-26 season with Gandzasar on loan from Olimpija. He initially joined the Armenian club on 19 February before returning to Olimpija at the end of the loan spell on 30 June.

Ahouangbo’s latest transfer brings him back to Gandzasar for a second spell and gives the club a midfielder whose primary role is defensive. He stands 1.72m tall and favours his right foot.

The move follows Ahouangbo’s transfer to NK Olimpija from Tunisia’s AS Soliman on 6 August 2025. He had joined AS Soliman in September 2023, before beginning his time with Olimpija less than two years later.

Ahouangbo made his return to Gandzasar after the start of the 2026-27 Armenian Premier League campaign. The club’s record for the competition lists five possible matches at this stage, although the midfielder has not yet made an appearance in the current campaign.

His return also marks another change of club within a relatively short period. After leaving AS Soliman for Olimpija, Ahouangbo moved to Gandzasar on loan, went back to the Slovenian side in June and has now completed another switch to the Armenian club.

Gandzasar are based in Kapan and compete in Armenia’s Premier League, while Olimpija play in Slovenia’s Prva Liga. Ahouangbo’s move therefore sees him continue his career in European football after spells in Slovenia and Armenia.

The midfielder’s current market value is listed at €250,000, while his highest recorded value is €300,000. No contract expiry date has been specified for his return to Gandzasar.

Ahouangbo has now rejoined Gandzasar after leaving NK Olimpija on 16 August 2026.