By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, July 26, GNA – Egypt claimed three of the four team titles at the 2026 ITTF-Africa Youth Championships in Accra, while Nigeria successfully defended the U-19 boys team title after a thrilling finale at the Borteyman Sports Complex.
The conclusion of the team events saw Egypt reaffirmed its dominance in African youth table tennis by winning the U-15 Boys, U-15 Girls and U-19 girls team championships.
Nigeria denied Egypt a clean sweep by producing a spirited comeback to defeat the North African side in the U-19 boys final to retain the title.
The team competition featured some of Africa’s finest young players in the U-15 and U-19 categories, with several exciting matches showcasing the continent’s growing talent.
Host nation Ghana also delivered an encouraging performance, particularly in the U-15 Boys event, where the young team emerged as one of the championship’s surprise performers.
After opening their campaign with a defeat to eventual champions Egypt in the group stage, Ghana responded strongly by defeating Benin to secure qualification to the knockout stage.
The hosts maintained their impressive form by edging Tunisia in a closely contested quarter-final to book a place in the last four before eventually settling for the bronze medal following a narrow semi-final defeat to Nigeria.
The podium finish marked one of Ghana’s best achievements at the championships and reflected the progress being made in the country’s youth table tennis programme.
Ghana’s remaining teams also displayed resilience and determination throughout the competition despite missing out on medal positions, gaining valuable experience against some of Africa’s strongest youth teams.
With the team events completed, attention now turns to the doubles, mixed doubles and singles competitions, where players will continue their quest for continental honours as the championship progresses in Accra.
The standard of play displayed during the team competition highlighted the continued growth of youth table tennis across Africa and provided another platform for the continent’s emerging stars to demonstrate their potential.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade