The 2026-2027 season of Benin's elite male football championship, Celtiis Ligue 1, commenced on September 26, 2026. A total of 19 goals were scored across nine stadiums over two days, with four home wins, two home losses, and three draws. The first matchday saw some unexpected results, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. Hodio FC, Dynamo FC, and Baniganse FC were among the teams in action.
Hodio FC dominated their match against AS Cotonou, winning 3-0. The team, led by coach Patrick Agbégninou, displayed impressive skills, leaving their opponents with no chance. In another match, Dynamo FC suffered a late defeat at the hands of Loto Popo FC, with the visitors scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes of the game. Aspac FC secured a 1-0 win against Espoirs FC, boosting their confidence after a disappointing performance in the CAF Cup preliminaries.
The reigning champions, Sobemap FC, began their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Baniganse FC. This result was similar to their first match of the previous season, where they also drew 0-0 against Ayema FC. Coton FC, the vice-champions, were held to a 1-1 draw by Dragons FC. The match between Buffles FC and Ayema FC ended with a 3-1 win for the former, showcasing their strength in their first home game of the season.
Djeffa FC, the Ligue 2 champions of the 2025-2026 season, won their match against Panthère FC with a 2-1 scoreline. The match between Damissa FC and Cavaliers FC ended in a goalless draw. The league's first matchday concluded with several teams earning their first points of the season. The current standings have Hodio FC, Buffles FC, and Djeffa FC at the top, each with three points.
The first matchday of Celtiis Ligue 1 also witnessed some notable performances from individual players. While specific details about the top scorers and performers are not available, the matches demonstrated the competitive spirit of the teams. The league's organizers and fans will be eager to see how the teams progress in the coming weeks.
According to the report by Matin Libre, the first matchday of Celtiis Ligue 1 was eventful, with several teams experiencing wins and losses. The league's defending champions, Sobemap FC, will look to improve their performance in the upcoming matches. The teams will aim to secure more points and climb the standings.
As the league progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and intense competition among the teams. With 18 teams participating in the league, the competition is expected to be fierce. The current standings and results will likely change as the season unfolds, and teams will need to adapt and strategize to achieve their goals.
Key points
- Hodio FC leads the standings with three points and a +3 goal difference after their 3-0 win against AS Cotonou.
- The first matchday of Celtiis Ligue 1 saw four home wins, two home losses, and three draws, with a total of 19 goals scored.
- The reigning champions, Sobemap FC, began their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Baniganse FC.
