Quadri Aruna’s quest to reclaim the ITTF Africa Cup ended on Monday after a tense seven-set defeat to Algeria’s Medhdi Bouloussa in Benghazi, Libya.
The five-time champion was edged 4–3 (11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7) in a fiercely contested semi-final clash.
Sixth Title Dream Denied
Aruna entered the tournament targeting a sixth Africa Cup crown following his dethronement by Egypt’s Omar Assar in 2025. He had progressed smoothly through the group stage, round of 16 and quarter-finals, but fell just short against a determined Bouloussa.
The Algerian surged into a two-set lead before Aruna responded by taking the third. Bouloussa claimed the fourth set, but the Nigerian rallied strongly to win the fifth and sixth. However, Aruna lost the decisive seventh as Bouloussa sealed the upset.
Dominant Run Before Semi-Final Exit
Despite the defeat, Aruna enjoyed a commanding run earlier in the competition. He recorded a 4–0 quarter-final victory over Egypt’s Badr Mostafa (11-5, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9) and also dispatched Libya’s Habeb Alajaebi in straight sets in the round of 16.
World Cup Qualification Secured
Although denied another Africa Cup title, Aruna’s run confirmed his place at this year’s ITTF World Cup. His previous Africa Cup titles came in 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2024.
The annual continental championship, hosted in Benghazi, also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Cup.
Other Semi-Final Results
In the other men’s semi-final, reigning champion and top seed Omar Assar defeated Algeria’s Stephane Ouaiche 4–0 to set up a final against Bouloussa.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s Hana Goda and Dina Meshref contested the women’s final.
Leave a comment