The afternoon session of Day 2 at the All Africa Senior Team Championships in Douala, Cameroon, was nothing short of sensational. Hosted at the iconic Japoma Stadium, fans were treated to an passionate lineup of matches that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. With powerhouse nations like Algeria, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, Zambia, and Equatorial Guinea battling it out, the energy was charged, and the stakes were high.
On Court 1, Zambia faced off against Equatorial Guinea in a dominant performance that saw Zambia secure a resounding 5-0 victory. The Zambian team displayed outstanding, speed, and dexterity, leaving no room for their opponents to breathe. The tie started with Kalombo Mulenga defeating Obiegue Solomon in straight sets, 21-14, 21-13. Mulenga’s sharp smashes and tactical plays set the tone for Zambia’s dominance.
The final match, the mixed doubles, provided some resistance from Equatorial Guinea. Chongo Ezra Mulenga and Evelyn Siamupangila were pushed to three sets by Obiegue Solomon and Melania Nchama Edu Oye, but Zambia’s pair held their nerve to clinch the win 21-17, 16-21, 21-18, sealing the comprehensive team victory.
Meanwhile, on Court 2, fans witnessed an blockbuster head-to-head between Mauritius and Nigeria, a match that will be remembered for its spectacle and intensity. Nigeria narrowly edged Mauritius 3-2 in a nail-biting encounter that had the crowd roaring with excitement.
Mauritius took an early lead in the mixed doubles, with Lucas Douce and Elsa How Hong defeating Alhaji Aliyu Shehu and Uchechukwu Deborah Ukeh 21-14, 21-17. However, Nigeria quickly responded in the men’s singles as African Champion Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori fought back from a set down to overcome Jean Bernard Bongout 15-21, 21-15, 21-13. Speaking to BCA TV after his victory, Opeyori stated, “This victory is important for us as we want to top our group. The match went the distance, but I’m extremely proud to win this precious point for my team. Now the focus is on the quarter-finals, and I strongly believe we will win our upcoming matches as well.”
Nigeria continued their momentum in the women’s singles with Sofiat Arinola Obanishola defeating Chiara How Hong 21-16, 21-17. Mauritius wasn’t ready to give up just yet. In the men’s doubles, Bongout teamed up with the dynamic Georges Julien Paul to deliver a brilliant performance, winning 13-21, 21-15, 21-11 against Joseph Emmanuel Emmy and Victor Ikechukwu.
The deciding match, the women’s doubles—was a thrilling contest. Nigeria’s Dorcas Ajoke Adesokan and Sofiat Arinola Obanishola faced fierce resistance from young Chiara and Elsa How Hong, but the Nigerian pair held their nerve to clinch the final set 21-13, securing the tie for Nigeria.
The men’s doubles duo of Koceila Mammeri and Youcef Sabri Medel rallied from a set down to defeat Ahmed Ali Bahnsawy and Kareem Ezzat, 14-21, 21-11, 21-11, showcasing brilliant coordination. In the women’s doubles, Algeria’s Yasmina Chibah and Linda Mazri edged out Egypt’s Youssri and Doha Hany in a tense first set, 24-22, before comfortably winning the second set 21-12.
The deciding mixed doubles match saw Mammeri and Mazri deliver a flawless performance, defeating Elgamal and Hany 21-12, 21-12, sealing Algeria’s victory in spectacular fashion.
As Day 2 concluded, the excitement continues to build. Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 12 February, the tournament will head into the quarter-finals following the team managers’ meeting. Fans are encouraged to catch all the action live on our YouTube Channel and Facebook page. For real-time updates, don’t forget to follow our WhatsApp Channel and stay connected to the heart of African badminton!