Ghana’s table tennis team at the ongoing ITTD Africa Cup are optimistic of making great strides in Tunisia.
The trio, Cynthia Kwabi, Israel Aklie, and Joanita Bortey who touched down in Tunis on Monday after started their matches today.
Unfortunately, Israel Aklie lost 3 straight sets (3-0) to Egyptian Mohamed Elbeiali in the Men’s singles round 3.
Also, youngster Joanita Borteye battled it out against Algerian Hadjer Tahmi but lost the last 3 sets (2-3) in the Women’s singles group 6.
Both will have another chance at qualifying to the next stage.
Cynthia Kwabi will face South African Danisha Patel later this evening.
The prestigious African Cup which runs from February 25 to 27, 2025, at the El-Menzah Sports Palace in Tunis is a qualification to the World Championship in Macao.
Twelve-year-old sensation Joanita Borteye is Ghana’s number one ranked player, 12th in Africa, and 172nd in the world.
Despite her young age, Borteye has already made a name for herself in local and international competitions. Her exceptional skills and determination have earned her a spot in the African Cup, where she will face tougher opponents.
Cynthia Kwabi, a household name in Ghanaian Table Tennis, will also seek to make a lasting impact at the African Cup. With vast experience and a former national record holder, Kwabi is poised to make a strong showing at the El-Menzah Sports Palace in Tunis.
Locally, Kwabi has dominated several competitions, including the Ghana Table Tennis League and the National Table Tennis Championships. Internationally, she has represented Ghana at several ITTF events, including the WTT Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the African Games, among other prominent events.
Israel Aklie, the third member of the Ghanaian trio, is a young and talented player with a bright future ahead.
Aklie has already shown promise in local competitions, winning several junior titles, individual accolades and impressing coaches with his skills and dedication.
Israel Aklie and Joanita Borteye clinched gold and bronze medals, respectively, at the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Continental Hopes Championship held in Botswana.
The ITTF African Cup is an annual event featuring both men’s and women’s singles competitions. Since 2016, the event has served as a qualifier for the ITTF World Cup. This year’s edition will attract top players from over 14 countries, and Ghana’s trio is eager to make a mark.
