Sports
Aruna, Meshref reclaim ITTF Africa Cup titles
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Dina Meshref reclaimed the ITTF Africa Cup title after winning the 2024 edition at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
Aruna, the top seed still fresh from his exploits at the WTT Saudi Smash, was again unstoppable with a commanding win in the final against Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali.
The one-sided final saw Aruna effortlessly take down the Egyptian with a 4-0 (11-5, 11-6, 12-10, 11-3) win to emerge as the new Africa Cup champion after losing the title to Egypt’s Omar Assar in 2018.
The World No. 19 said: “There was never an easy win in any competition, and I am happy that I gave my best and my best resulted in the victory.
“It has always been in me not to give up, even when I am down, and I am happy that all my hardwork paid off with the victory.
Read Also: Nigeria’s Aruna reaches round of 16 at Saudi Smash
“I must commend Rwanda for providing good facilities and their hospitality for us, the players, and I look forward to returning again to this beautiful country.”
Like Aruna, Meshref was at her best after coming back from 2-0 down to defeat her compatriot, Mariam Alhodaby, 4-3 to become the new Africa Cup champion after losing the last two editions in the final.
A relieved Meshref described the victory as crucial, particularly coming back from injury.
“I am happy that I was able to come back, especially coming back from an injury I sustained before the tournament.
“I must thank my family and my mother, who sacrificed to be with me in Rwanda. It was a tough win for me here in this beautiful country of Rwanda, and I will cherish this moment for a very long time to come,” she said.
The tournament has over 50 players from 14 countries taking part as players brace up for the African Olympic Qualification Tournament, which begins on May 16 and ends on May 18.
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