Kalombo Mulenga Pushes Africaâs Champion to the Limit in a Rousing Afternoon Session at the All Africa Team Event Championships 2025
The afternoon session of Day 1 at the All Africa Team Event Championships 2025 in Douala, Cameroon, was nothing short of moving. Fans were on the edge of their seats, especially during the thrilling showdown between Zambia and Nigeria. Although Zambia ultimately lost the tie 5-0, their performance, particularly that of Kalombo Mulenga, was commendable and depicted their fighting spirit.
In the men’s singles match, Kalombo Mulenga delivered an outstanding performance against Nigeria’s Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, the current African Men’s Singles Champion. Mulenga stunned everyone by taking the first set 21-13 with aggressive smashes and precise net play. However, Anu demonstrated his championship pedigree by bouncing back strongly, winning the next two sets 21-10 and 21-12. The match lasted 52 minutes and was filled with intense rallies that had the crowd cheering loudly.
After the tie, Kalombo Mulenga shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with BCA TV, saying, “I am extremely satisfied with my performance as I played a great 3 sets against the Africa Champion Anu. I am also grateful for the opportunity of the training camp in Malaysia given by the BCA, as this has helped me a lot tactically and physically in my game. I feel that now I can better manage my game, especially when I am under pressure. I am confident that Team Zambia will deliver in this Team Event as we are extremely motivated and ready for the upcoming matches.”
In the mixed doubles, Nigeria’s Alhaji Aliyu Shehu and Uchechukwu Deborah Ukeh dominated Zambia’s Chongo Ezra Mulenga and Evelyn Siamupangila, winning comfortably 21-10, 21-15 in just 25 minutes.
The women’s singles saw Nigeria’s Sofiat Arinola Obanishola overpower Zambia’s Mary Chilambe with a convincing 21-9, 21-4 victory.
The men’s doubles match was another highlight, where Nigeria’s Joseph Emmanuel Emmy and Victor Ikechukwu faced a tough challenge from Zambia’s Chongo Ezra Mulenga and Kalombo Mulenga. Despite losing the first set 21-14, Zambia fought back to win the second set 21-19, but Nigeria held their nerve in the deciding set to win 21-17 after 42 minutes of gripping action.
In the women’s doubles, Nigeria’s Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan and Sofiat Arinola Obanishola displayed their power, defeating Zambia’s Mary Chilambe and Evelyn Siamupangila 21-1, 21-9 in just 21 minutes.
Meanwhile, on court 4, Uganda faced Reunion Island in an exciting tie, securing a 4-1 victory. The mixed doubles match saw Uganda’s Muzafaru Lubega and Husina Kobugabe battling hard against Reunion’s Thibaud Cougouille and Emmanuelle Admette. Uganda took the first set 21-12, but Reunion fought back to win the second set 21-19. Uganda, however, dominated the third set 21-8, sealing the win.
In the men’s singles, Uganda’s Kenneth Comfort Mwambu showed resilience against Loic Antoine Nanicaoudin, winning 21-18, 21-16. The women’s singles was a one-sided affair, with Uganda’s Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi defeating Mathilde Lepetit 21-10, 21-7.
Reunion managed to secure their only win in the men’s doubles, where Aaron Assing and Xavier Chan Fung Ting defeated Uganda’s Muzafaru Lubega and Augustus Owinyi 21-9, 21-17. However, Uganda bounced back in the women’s doubles, with Husina Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi overcoming Emmanuelle Admette and Mathilde Lepetit in a thrilling three-setter, 17-21, 22-20, 21-8.
The afternoon session of Day 1 proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with intense matches, great performances, and the unwavering spirit of the players. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the championship continues. Stay tuned to BCA TV for live matches. Matches will start at 9am on Tuesday 11 February at Japoma Stadium. There will be exciting matches in all 3 groups and we invite all badminton lovers to watch.
