Quadri Aruna’s quest for a sixth ITTF Africa Cup title came to an end on Monday after a dramatic seven-set defeat to Algeria’s Medhdi Bouloussa in Benghazi, Libya.
The five-time champion was edged out 4–3 in a high-intensity semi-final, with Bouloussa taking the contest 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7.
Aruna had looked sharp throughout the tournament, advancing comfortably through the early stages and securing qualification for the ITTF World Cup in Macao, China. However, despite fighting back to force a deciding set, he was unable to stop the Algerian’s charge.
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Although he missed out on another continental crown, Aruna’s run was enough to seal his place at the World Cup. The Nigerian has previously lifted the Africa Cup trophy in 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s top seed Omar Assar booked his place in the final after a straight-sets victory over Algeria’s Stephane Ouaiche, where he will face Bouloussa.
