Over the course of eight days, approximately 17 African nations engaged in thrilling table tennis competitions at the Ethiopian Sports Academy during the 2024 ITTF Africa Championships, which concluded on Saturday, October 19, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
A significant highlight of this continental event was the host nation’s return to the podium after a 24-year absence.
The championships also showcased Egypt’s continued supremacy in the region, as the North African nation secured victory in five out of the seven events in which they participated.
Dufera Mokonen emerged as a standout performer for Ethiopia, as the defensive player played a pivotal role in helping the home team secure two bronze medals, a feat not accomplished in Addis Ababa since 2000.
Mokonen made history in the Men’s Singles by becoming the first player from outside Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria to reach the semifinals, achieving this milestone with a 4-2 upset over the third-seeded Mohamed El-Beiali of Egypt.
The doubles events were dominated by Nigeria and Egypt, with Muiz Adegoke and Abdulbasat Abdulfatai defeating their fellow Nigerians, Olajide Omotayo and Matthew Kuti, 3-1 to win the gold medal. In the women’s doubles, Egypt’s Hana Goda and Fathy Hend triumphed over Algeria’s Malissa Nasri and Yassamine Bouhenni with a decisive 3-0 victory.
The mixed doubles title was claimed by Egypt’s Youssef Abdel-Aziz and Mariam Alhodaby, who convincingly defeated Algeria’s Amina Kessaci and Milhane Jellouli with a score of 3-0.
Nigeria secured their inaugural Men’s team title by overcoming Algeria 3-1, while Egypt successfully defended their Women’s team title with a 3-0 victory against Nigeria in the final.
Teenage prodigy Hana Goda successfully defended her women’s singles title, winning a closely contested match 4-3 against her compatriot Mariam Alhodaby.
Omar Assar of Egypt achieved his 12th continental title by defeating fellow Egyptian Abdel-Aziz 4-2, thus becoming the 2024 Men’s Singles champion.
