The 2025 ITTF Africa Cup, commencing in Tunis, Tunisia, promises a thrilling spectacle of table tennis prowess as the continent’s finest players converge to vie for prestigious titles and coveted World Cup berths. The El-Menzah Sports Hall will be the battleground for intense competition in both the men’s and women’s singles events, with semi-finalists securing their passage to the ITTF World Cup in Macao, China, in April. This year’s tournament carries an added layer of significance with the introduction of individual awards, marking a new era of recognizing and celebrating excellence within African table tennis.
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, the reigning African Cup men’s singles champion, embarks on his title defense journey in Group 2. The five-time champion faces an immediate challenge against Salifou Abdel-Kader of Benin Republic and Sabhi Myshaal of Tunisia. Aruna’s quest for a sixth continental crown will be fiercely contested by a field of formidable opponents, including Egypt’s Omar Assar, who also boasts five titles. The competition will be further intensified by the emergence of rising stars like Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Nigeria’s Matthew Kuti, and Cameroon’s Batix Ylane, all eager to make their mark on the continental stage. Aruna’s experience and skill will be crucial in navigating the challenging path to another title, as he attempts to fend off both established rivals and emerging talents.
In the women’s singles event, Egypt’s Dina Meshref, the reigning champion, faces the daunting task of retaining her title against a formidable lineup of challengers. Meshref, the most decorated player in the tournament’s history with nine titles, will need to summon her best performance to maintain her dominance. Her compatriot, Hana Goda, Africa’s highest-ranked female player, poses a significant threat, aiming for her third consecutive African Cup title after victories in Lagos (2022) and Nairobi (2023). While the potential clash between the two Egyptian powerhouses looms large, both must remain vigilant against other contenders seeking to upset the established order and etch their names into the annals of African table tennis history.
The tournament format presents a high-stakes scenario for all participants. In the men’s singles, 29 players will compete for the four available World Cup qualifying spots, highlighting the intense competition and the importance of every match. Similarly, the women’s singles draw features 21 players vying for the same four coveted World Cup tickets. This structure ensures that only the most resilient and skilled players will emerge victorious and secure their passage to the global stage in Macao. The pressure to perform will undoubtedly elevate the intensity and drama of each contest, making for a captivating tournament.
The introduction of individual awards at this year’s Africa Cup marks a significant milestone for the ITTF-Africa. This initiative, designed to recognize and celebrate individual excellence, aligns with ITTF-Africa’s strategic objective of highlighting its corporate partners while promoting the sport of table tennis. The awards will add another layer of prestige to the tournament and further incentivize players to perform at their peak. This move signifies a growing emphasis on recognizing individual achievement within the continental table tennis landscape, fostering a culture of excellence and inspiring future generations of players.
The 2025 ITTF Africa Cup promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the best of African table tennis. With reigning champions facing stiff competition from established rivals and emerging stars, the battle for continental supremacy will be fierce. The added incentive of World Cup qualification and the introduction of individual awards will undoubtedly heighten the drama and excitement. The tournament will serve as a platform for showcasing the growth and development of table tennis within the continent, while also highlighting the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of Africa’s finest table tennis athletes. The stage is set for a thrilling display of athleticism and strategic brilliance, as players strive for glory in Tunis.
