By Vivian Ahanmisi
Omar Assar and Hana Goda led Egypt’s squads to gold in both the men’s and women’s team events at the eight-day tournament.
To retain their crown, Egypt’s women’s team defeated Uganda 3-0 in the final, while the men’s team overcame Algeria after edging Nigeria in the semifinals.
With the win, Egypt’s women’s team became the most successful in the tournament’s history, securing their 18th title across several decades of dominance.
The men’s team also extended its record to 16 championships, further solidifying Egypt’s unmatched supremacy in African table tennis.
Uganda made history as the first East African nation to reach the final of the women’s team event at the continental championship.
The trio of Judith Nangozi, Judith Mirembe and Jemimah Nakawala shocked Nigeria 3-1 in the semifinals before losing 3-0 to Egypt in the final.
Morocco celebrated a strong return to the elite ranks, taking bronze in the men’s team event after losing 3-1 to Algeria in the semifinals.
Nigeria also secured bronze after falling 3-0 to Egypt in the other men’s semifinal clash.
In the individual events, Omar Assar strengthened his legacy as the only player to win the men’s singles title five times.
Hana Goda continued her remarkable rise, becoming the youngest and first player to claim the women’s singles title three consecutive times.
Egypt’s dominance stretched to the doubles events, where they claimed all three categories — Mixed Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Men’s Doubles.
In the Mixed Doubles final, Youssef Abdelaziz and Mariam Alhodaby retained their title with a straight-sets victory over compatriots Mostafa Badr and Marwa Alhodaby.
Dina Meshref and Hana Goda combined to win the Women’s Doubles title, beating twins Mariam and Marwa Alhodaby 3-1 in a well-fought contest.
The new pairing had earlier reached the final at the WTT Contender Lagos in July, showing their growing chemistry and form.
In the Men’s Doubles, Youssef Abdelaziz added to his medal tally by teaming up with Mohamed El-Beiali for another Egyptian triumph.
The duo defeated Algeria’s Bella Maheidine and Jellouli Milhane 3-1 in a thrilling final, sealing Egypt’s clean sweep of the championship. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
