Ivory Coast: No promotion for Africa Sports!

Africa 20 April 2026 at 07:12

Nafongo TRAORE

News Editor

Africa Sports Abidjan will not be returning to the LONACI Ligue 1 next season. With four rounds remaining in the league, the Eagles trail Group B leaders Yamoussoukro FC by 15 points, making a comeback mathematically impossible.

Sunday’s goalless 0-0 draw against ES Bingerville, combined with Yamoussoukro’s 2-1 win over Issia, officially ended Africa Sports’ hopes: there will be no place in Ligue 1 for the 2026-2027 season. With 30 points, Africa Sports can no longer catch up to Group B leaders Yamoussoukro FC (45 points), with only four games left in the campaign.

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Sixth consecutive season in the second tier looms

Relegated five seasons ago, Africa Sports had hoped to capitalize on a Group B lacking major names to make their return to the top flight. But Oyeh’s squad lacked consistency and stability this season: 7 wins, 9 draws, and 6 defeats. Against direct rivals like Sporting Gagnoa, Yamoussoukro FC, and Leaders de Marcory—all armed for promotion—the Eagles faltered.
This storied and popular club in Ivorian football is now preparing for a sixth consecutive campaign in the second division.