Assar edges Aruna’s conqueror to clinch ITTF Africa Cup title

Goda extends unbeaten run

Egypt’s Omar Assar reaffirmed his dominance in African table tennis by clinching his seventh ITTF Africa Cup crown, while teenage sensation Hana Goda extended her unbeaten streak on the continent, claiming her fourth women’s singles title in Benghazi, Libya, on Monday, February 9.

Assar was flawless throughout the men’s singles event, not dropping a single set in all six matches. He swept most opponents 3–0 or 4–0, underlining his supremacy as the only male player in Africa to win seven Africa Cup titles. In the final, he overpowered Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa 4–0 (12–10, 11–8, 11–7, 11–7) to retain the crown he reclaimed in 2025.

Bouloussa, who will make his debut at the 2026 ITTF World Cup in Macao next month, made history as the first Algerian to reach the Africa Cup final. His semifinal victory over Nigeria’s five-time champion Quadri Aruna (4–3) was one of the tournament’s standout performances.

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On the women’s side, Goda—still the youngest player ever to win the continental title at just 14—was equally commanding. She defeated her compatriot and nine-time champion Dina Meshref 4–0 (12–10, 11–3, 11–7, 11–9) to retain her crown in Libya.

Meanwhile, Algeria’s teenage prodigy Tania Morice continued her fairytale rise. After winning the girls’ cadet title at the 2025 Africa Youth Championships in Lagos, she stunned sceptics by finishing among the top four at the 2025 ITTF World Cup in Benghazi, securing her first ITTF World Cup ticket. Morice overcame seasoned players such as Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana, and Tunisia’s Abir Haj Salah to reach the semifinals.

Still overwhelmed by her achievement, Morice admitted: “It’s incredible, and I can’t even realise it yet. I don’t have the words—it’s just amazing.”

She credited her coaches, teammates, and parents for their support, adding: “They always remind me this is my life, and they’ll do everything possible to help me succeed.”

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