Team Cameroon Shines Despite Narrow Loss to Egypt on Day 1 Morning Session of the All Africa Team Event Championships 2025
Day 1 of the All Africa Team Event Championships 2025 kicked off with thrilling matches in Douala, Cameroon, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. The morning session saw Team Cameroon delivering an outstanding performance against the defending champions, Egypt, in a closely contested tie that showcased the determination and spirit of the host nation.
The opening match featured a gripping mixed doubles encounter where Cameroon’s Michel Henri Assembe and Maeva Princia Gertrude Anamba faced Egypt’s Abdelrahman Abdelsattar and Fatema Rabie. The Cameroonian duo stunned the title holders by winning the first set 21-19, displaying exceptional coordination and strategic play. However, Egypt fought back fiercely, claiming the second set 21-13. The deciding set was a nail-biter, with Cameroon narrowly losing 22-20 after an intense battle that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
In the men’s singles, Egypt’s Adham Hatem Elgamal showcased his dominance against Cameroon’s Félix Michel Kemene Atangana, winning convincingly with scores of 21-8 and 21-12. Despite the loss, Kemene Atangana demonstrated resilience, pushing through tough rallies. The women’s singles match was another intense clash, with Cameroon’s Madeleine Carene Leticia Akoumba Ze taking the first set 21-13 against Egypt’s Nour Ahmed Youssri. However, Youssri made a remarkable comeback, winning the next two sets 21-11 and 21-11, securing another point for Egypt.
The Men’s Doubles saw Egypt’s Ahmed Ali Bahnsawy and Kareem Ezzat facing Cameroon’s Michel Henri Assembe and Félix Michel Kemene Atangana. Egypt dominated the first set 21-7, but the Cameroonian pair regrouped and fought valiantly in the second set, narrowly losing 23-21 in a closely contested battle. In the women’s doubles, Egypt’s Alya Elgandour and Doha Hany outplayed Cameroon’s Madeleine Carene Leticia Akoumba Ze and Maeva Princia Gertrude Anamba, winning 21-11 and 21-17.
After the tie, Carene Leticia expressed her pride in her team during an exclusive interview with BCA TV, stating,
“I am extremely proud of my team as we narrowly lost two matches which went to the limit—the women’s singles and the mixed doubles. We also lost a closely contested battle in the men’s doubles, where we fell short in the second set, 23-21. Even though we lost, we take this as a fruitful experience and remain focused on the upcoming matches. Our team spirit is strong, and we will make sure to secure a win in our next tie.”
In another exciting tie, South Africa triumphed over Reunion Island with a clean 5-0 victory. The men’s singles match saw South Africa’s Caden Kakora battling hard against Aaron Assing from Reunion Island. Despite losing the first set 18-21, Kakora made an impressive comeback to win the next two sets 21-15 and 21-8. Johanita Scholtz dominated the women’s singles, defeating Mathilde Lepetit 21-10 and 21-13. The men’s doubles was a thrilling contest, with South Africa’s Caden Kakora and Robert Summers overcoming Aaron Assing and Xavier Chan Fung Ting in a three-set thriller, 17-21, 21-15, 24-22. South Africa continued their winning streak in the women’s doubles, where Amy Ackerman and Johanita Scholtz outclassed Emmanuelle Admette and Alison Bradel with scores of 21-10 in both sets. In mixed doubles, Robert Summers and Amy Ackerman sealed the victory with a dominant 21-5, 21-9 win over Thibaud Cougouille and Emmanuelle Admette.
Mauritius also showcased their supremacy, securing a 5-0 win against Equatorial Guinea. Chiara How Hong was outstanding in the women’s singles, defeating Isamar Ayang Ebee Mba 21-2, 21-7. Lucas Douce excelled in the men’s singles, winning against Obiegue Solomon 21-10, 21-15. The women’s doubles saw Chiara How Hong pairing with Elsa How Hong to defeat Isamar Ayang Ebee Mba and Melania Nchama Edu Oye 21-5, 21-3. In the men’s doubles, Jean Bernard Bongout and Georges Julien Paul dominated Carlos Santiago Enzema Nnandong and José Luis Nsogo Nguema, winning 21-6, 21-6. The mixed doubles concluded with Lucas Douce and Elsa How Hong securing a 21-11, 21-11 victory over Obiegue Solomon and Melania Nchama Edu Oye.
Algeria also had a strong start, defeating Ghana 5-0 in a series of commanding performances, showcasing their readiness for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
Day 1 of the All Africa Team Event Championships 2025 highlighted the competitive spirit and skill of the participating teams, setting the tone for the exciting matches yet to come. The host nation, Cameroon, despite their narrow loss, proved they are formidable contenders, and fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the tournament progresses. Make sure to stay tuned in for the upcoming matches in the evening. Matches will be brought live to you by BCA TV on our YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
