Aruna Qualifies for 2026 ITTF World Cup Despite Semifinal Exit as Assar Clinches 7TH Africa Crown
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna has secured qualification for the 2026 ITTF World Cup in Macao, despite falling short in the semifinals of the ITTF Africa Cup in Benghazi, Libya.
Aruna, a five-time continental champion, was edged out 4–3 by Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa in one of the tournament’s most dramatic encounters, but his performance was enough to book his place on the global stage next month.
Egypt’s Omar Assar reaffirmed his dominance in African table tennis by clinching his seventh Africa Cup crown. Assar was flawless throughout the men’s singles event, not dropping a single set in six matches.
In the final, he swept Bouloussa 4–0 (12–10, 11–8, 11–7, 11–7), underlining his supremacy as the only male player in Africa to win seven Africa Cup titles.
Bouloussa’s run was historic in its own right. By reaching the final, he became the first Algerian to achieve the feat and will make his World Cup debut in Macao. His semifinal victory over Aruna was widely regarded as one of the standout performances of the tournament.
On the women’s side, Egypt’s teenage sensation Hana Goda extended her unbeaten streak on the continent, claiming her fourth Africa Cup title. Goda, who first won the crown at just 14, was commanding in Benghazi, defeating nine-time champion Dina Meshref 4–0 (12–10, 11–3, 11–7, 11–9) to retain her crown.
Algeria’s rise continued with teenage prodigy Tania Morice, who stunned skeptics by reaching the semifinals and securing her first ITTF World Cup ticket.
Morice, who won the girls’ cadet title at the 2025 Africa Youth Championships, overcame seasoned players including Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello and Tunisia’s Abir Haj Salah. “It’s incredible, and I can’t even realise it yet,” she said, crediting her coaches, teammates, and parents for their support.
