Hosts Algeria created history yesterday, winning the men’s team title at the All Africa Men’s & Women’s Team Championships 2018 for the first time.
In the final in Algiers, Algeria prevailed in a thriller over Nigeria, 3-2.
Nigeria were also denied the crown in the women’s team competition, falling 3-0 to Mauritius.
Clement Krobakpo gave Nigeria an ideal start, winning the opening singles in a tense finish over Algeria’s Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi 15-21 21-17 21-19.
However, Youcef Sabri Medel pulled Algeria level beating Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori in over an hour, 10-21 21-17 21-14. Koceila Mammeri helped the hosts gain a 2-1 lead, holding off Godwin Olofua 21-17 21-17.
Nigeria’s Enejoh Abah/Clement Krobakpo won the first doubles to take the tie to an exciting conclusion. In the final match, Majed Yacine Balahoune/Koceila Mammeri breezed past Godwin Olofua/Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori 21-13 21-15 to make history for the hosts.
The women’s team final too went against Nigeria. Kate Foo Kune needed just 30 minutes to shut out Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan 21-15 21-9. Mauritius made it 2-0 through Aurelie Marie Elisa Allet as she held off Zainab Momoh in a tight finish, 21-19 21-19. Nicki Chan-Lam (featured image) then wrapped up the tie for Mauritius beating Deborah Ukeh 21-13 21-14.
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