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Quadri Aruna, Dina Meshref and Hana Goda got off to a flying start at the 2025 ITTF World Cup, recording impressive victories in their group-stage openers at the Galaxy Arena in Macao, China.
Aruna edges Salifou in a tense rematch
In a rematch of the ITTF Africa Cup, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna overcame a spirited challenge from Benin’s Abdel-Kader Salifou to win 3-1 (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8). Despite losing the third game and trailing in the fourth, Aruna dug deep to close out the match.
“A first match in such events is always difficult, and I am happy that I managed to remain calm,” said Aruna. “He came back strong, but I held on for the win. I’m really happy and satisfied with my performance.”
Salifou, who only recently returned to international competition, was gracious in defeat.
“This is only my second event for Benin after a five-year break. I had chances, especially when I was leading 8-6 in the fourth, but credit to Aruna for the fightback.”
Meshref marks milestone with strong win
Egyptian veteran Dina Meshref kicked off her 8th World Cup appearance with a 3-1 (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11) win over Singapore’s Zhu Chengzhu, reaffirming her status as one of the continent’s most consistent performers.
Goda cruises past host nation favourite
Reigning Africa Cup champion Hana Goda produced a flawless display to sweep aside Macao’s Seak Hui Li 4-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8). The 17-year-old Egyptian sensation showed maturity beyond her years, barely giving her opponent a chance.
Tough day for other African players
Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali fell 4-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-2, 11-8) to Chinese prodigy Huang Youzheng in a one-sided contest that featured the tournament’s first-ever Table Tennis Review (TTR), which upheld a foul against the Egyptian.
Cameroon’s Ylane Batix battled hard but succumbed 4-0 to South Korea’s An Jaehyun, while Egypt’s Mariam Alhodaby also endured a tough outing, losing 4-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-7, 11-2) to Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem in a match that drew an enthusiastic response from fans.
With over 96 players battling for glory, the 2025 ITTF World Cup continues to serve up world-class action, and Africa’s top talents have already made their mark in Macao.
