ITTF Africa Cup: Quadri falls in final as Assar, Goda retain single’s titles

Aruna Quadri ended his campaign at the ITTF Africa Cup with a defeat in the final against archrival Omar Assar of Egypt as the Nigerian fell to the same opponent in the final for a second consecutive edition. Teenage whiz Hana Goda also claimed the women’s singles title at the tournament.

Quadri booked his place in the semifinals after masterful performances in the group stage, Round of 16 and quarterfinals. He faced Egyptian star Mohamed El Beiali in the semifinals and secured a 4-0 (11-9 11-5 11-3 12-10) success to book his place in the final.

Assar defeated debutant Antoine Razafinarivo in the other semifinal by a 4-2 scoreline (7-11 11-3 9-11 11-2 11-6 11-4) to reach the final against rival Quadri.

Assar claimed a dominant 4-1 (11-8 15-13 11-7 9-11 11-7) win over Quadri to claim his second successive ITTF Africa Cup title and third overall, having won it in 2018 and 2022, as well.

In the women’s draw, 14-year-old Hana Goda won her semifinal match against former African champion Sarah Hanffou of Cameroon. The teenage Egyptian won the match 4-1 (7-11 11-3 11-5 11-9 11-9) to book her place in the final.

In the other semifinal, Africa’s number one Dina Meshref defeated Marwa Alhodaby, reaching the final after a 4-1 (10-12 11-4 11-7 11-7 11-3) win.

The ITTF Africa Cup women’s singles final pitted the best female player in Africa Meshref against the best young player on the continent Goda, and Goda claimed a stunning 4-3 (11-9 11-6 7-11 7-11 8-11 11-9 15-13) win to claim her second straight title in the competition.