Soniantcha FC open 2026-27 Niger league with win

Soniantcha FC de Tillabéri have started their 2026-27 Ligue nationale du Niger campaign with three points, strengthening their push for promotion to the Super Ligue. The Hippopotames secured the result at home against Entente FC de Dosso on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

The match appeared set to end without a goal until Abdoul Karim Maliki struck in the 91st minute. His late finish settled a tightly contested opening-day game and gave Soniantcha a winning start, while Entente FC left empty-handed after failing to convert their opportunities.

Entente coach Soumaïla Mohamed, known as Zengui, said his side’s poor finishing had proved decisive. He also said the team would use the defeat to correct its shortcomings before the next round. Soniantcha coach Abdoulaye Djibo acknowledged that his squad had entered the match with limited preparation, having played no serious warm-up fixtures beyond internal games.

Djibo said the club’s main target for the season is promotion and that departures had been offset by bringing in replacements. Soniantcha will next host Madarounfa FC, with the coach calling for another victory as the team seeks to build on its opening success.