Benfica de Nossa Senhora do Monte goes down to defeat at the start of the National Championship
Benfica de Nossa Senhora do Monte lost 3-0 against Académico do Sal in the first round of the National Championship, and are now preparing to travel to Santiago to face the Red Scorpion in the second round.
The Clube Desportivo Benfica Nossa Senhora do Monte began their participation in the 2025-2026 National Football Championship with a 3-0 defeat against Académico do Sal, in a first round match played at the Marcelo Leitão Stadium, in the city of Espargos, on the island of Sal.
The Brava team came out determined, but found it difficult to cope with the attacking effectiveness of their opponents. Tonas, the Académico striker, opened the scoring in the 15th minute and scored again in the second half, in the 21st minute, extending the lead to 2-0. The third goal came in the 43rd minute, making the final score 3-0.
Despite the opening defeat, Benfica de Nossa Senhora do Monte remain focused on the competition, which this year is once again being played in a format inspired by the UEFA Champions League. The 12 teams take part in a single group, playing six games each (three home and three away), with only the top four advancing to the semi-finals.
In the second round, scheduled for May 9 or 10, Benfica de Nossa Senhora do Monte will travel to the island of Santiago, where they will face Scorpion Vermelho, champions of Santiago Norte, in a decisive match for their recovery in the league table.
The National Championship features 12 teams, including the regional champions and Académico do Aeroporto do Sal, which is taking part as the second representative of the island of Sal, the region of the reigning national champions, Grupo Desportivo da Palmeira.
