2024 ITTF Africa Championships: Continental titans, challengers clash in medal zone battles

The quest for honours at the ongoing 2024 ITTF Africa Championships has landed in the medal zone where the continent’s table tennis powerhouses face a formidable challenge to their dominance from a strong field of emerging battlers.

With the men’s defending champion absent, the stage is set for Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia to vie for top honours in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Nigerian men’s team, led by Quadri Aruna and seeded No. 2, showcased flawless performances, defeating Togo 3-0 to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Jubilation erupted for the home team, Ethiopia, as they upset Benin Republic 3-2, marking their first medal zone appearance in 24 years. Ethiopia will now face Nigeria in the semifinals on Monday, October 14.

Tunisia faced a tough challenge against Uganda’s young talents, coming back from 2-1 down to win 3-2, thanks to a decisive performance by Myshaal Sabhi.

‘We made a lot of mistakes, but after Wassim Essid brought us back into the game, I was confident. Even when I was down 2-1, I knew I could turn it around,’ Sabhi said.

Algeria overcame Madagascar with a 3-1 victory, setting up a North African derby against Tunisia in the men’s semifinal.

In the women’s event, top-seeded Egypt continued their dominant run, defeating Benin Republic 3-0 to advance to the semifinals against the surprising Ugandan team.

The Ugandan girls caused a major upset by defeating higher-ranked South Africa 3-2, securing their first medal zone appearance at the continental championships.

Algeria triumphed over Ghana 3-0, while Nigeria ousted Madagascar with a 3-0 win, setting up a semifinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria.