The 2025 Africa Cup, held in Tunisia, witnessed a dramatic shift in the table tennis landscape as Egypt’s Omar Assar thwarted Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna’s bid for a sixth continental title. The final, a clash of titans, saw Assar triumph 4-3 over his long-time rival in a thrilling encounter. This victory not only secured Assar the coveted Africa Cup but also prevented Aruna from further solidifying his dominance in African table tennis. The match was a testament to the intense rivalry between the two players and highlighted the high level of competition at the tournament.
The road to the final was paved with challenging encounters for both players. Aruna showcased his prowess by comfortably dispatching Cameroonian Ylane Batix in the semi-final. Assar, on the other hand, faced a sterner test against surprise semi-finalist Salifou Abdel Kader, eventually prevailing in a closely contested 4-3 victory. These semi-final matches set the stage for the highly anticipated final showdown between the two African table tennis giants.
The women’s singles final also witnessed a changing of the guard as young Egyptian star Hana Goda dethroned reigning champion and compatriot Dina Meshref. In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Goda rallied from a two-set deficit to secure a 4-2 victory and claim her first Africa Cup title. This upset victory signaled the emergence of a new force in African women’s table tennis and underlined the depth of talent within the Egyptian team.
Goda’s path to the final included a commanding 4-1 victory over Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, demonstrating her growing confidence and dominance. Meshref, despite her eventual defeat in the final, displayed her championship mettle by overcoming Mariam Alhodaby 4-2 in a hard-fought semi-final encounter. The competition in the women’s draw showcased the rising level of women’s table tennis in Africa and highlighted the exciting future of the sport.
Beyond the individual accolades and dramatic finals, the 2025 Africa Cup also served as a qualifying event for the 225 ITTF World Cup in China. All four finalists in both the men’s and women’s singles, along with their respective semi-final opponents, earned their tickets to compete on the global stage. This qualification underscores the importance of the Africa Cup in the international table tennis calendar and provides a platform for African players to showcase their talents against the world’s best.
The 2025 Africa Cup, as reported by Abiodun Adewale of PUNCH Sports, proved to be a tournament filled with dramatic upsets, thrilling matches, and the emergence of new stars. The victories of Omar Assar and Hana Goda marked a significant shift in the African table tennis hierarchy and signaled a new era of competition. Furthermore, the tournament’s role as a qualifier for the ITTF World Cup ensured that the top African players would have the opportunity to test their skills against the world’s elite. The Africa Cup served not only as a continental championship but also as a springboard for African players to make their mark on the global stage.
