As the table tennis competition at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games serves off on Saturday, 15 of Africa’s brightest young talents will join the global field of 64 players at the Dakar Expo Centre in Diamniadio, Senegal, with hopes of making history for the continent.
The tournament marks a historic moment as Dakar hosts the first-ever Olympic event on African soil. For the seven boys and eight girls selected to represent Africa, the competition offers an opportunity to showcase their talents against the world’s best young players, while pursuing the continent’s maiden Olympic table tennis medal.
Selected by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the African contingent comprises players who have distinguished themselves at continental, regional and international competitions.
Their performances have raised expectations as they prepare to compete in the singles and mixed doubles events.
Among the boys is Algeria’s Aylan Goudjil, who has demonstrated his potential in the Under-15 category. He won silver in the boys’ doubles with compatriot Bilel Zouitene at the ITTF Africa Youth Championships and in the mixed doubles with Jade Morice at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis.
He also claimed bronze at the WTT Youth Open in Cairo.
Nigeria will look to Matthew Kuti, the reigning African Youth Cup champion, to lead its medal charge. The Lagos-born player won the U19 boys’ singles title at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup in Accra, Ghana, and was named ITTF Africa’s Most Improved Player in 2025.
Known for his attacking style, Kuti has set his sights on two gold medals in Dakar.
Ganiou Abdourahaman will represent the Benin Republic after establishing himself as one of the country’s promising young players through appearances at regional competitions, including the ITTF-Africa Youth Cup.
Egypt’s Abdelmalk Elsayed is another player to watch, having reached the U19 boys’ singles semi-finals at an ITTF Africa youth competition before earning his place among the continent’s representatives.
Host nation Senegal will be represented by Amador Ferrer, who will compete in the boys’ singles and partner Marieme Diallo in the mixed doubles. He has also gained experience at regional tournaments, including the 2026 ITTF-Africa West Regional Championships in Conakry, Guinea.
Tunisia’s Youssef Aidli completes the featured group of boys. A continental team champion and doubles title winner, Aidli has proved his competitiveness against established players, including Egyptian star Omar Assar at the ITTF-Africa Senior Championships.
Uganda’s Joseph Sebatindira is another exciting prospect. The two-time ITTF World Hopes Under-12 champion and reigning African Under-12 champion has already made a name for himself on the international youth circuit.
A former world No. 1 in the Under-11 category, he will represent Uganda alongside fellow youngster Jemimah Nakawala.
On the girls’ side, Nigeria’s Favour Ojo brings valuable international experience from the WTT Contender Lagos and ITTF-Africa Championships. The 16-year-old is among the emerging talents seeking to establish herself on the global stage.
Algeria’s Tania Morice arrives in Dakar with an impressive record in youth competitions. She won the U19 girls’ singles title at the 2026 African Youth Championships in Accra and the U15 title at the 2025 ITTF Africa Youth Cup in Lagos.
She has also enjoyed success in French national competitions and frequently competes alongside her twin sister, Jade Morice.
Egypt’s Yara Elbadawy will also be aiming to make an impact. She won the singles title at the 2025 African Youth Games in Luanda and the U17 girls’ singles crown at the WTT Youth Contender Cairo, achievements that underline her growing reputation.
Ghana’s Joanita Borteye heads to Dakar after a strong run of performances on the continent. She swept the girls’ U19 and senior women’s singles titles at the 2026 Damba Table Tennis Championships in Tamale before reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 ITTF African Championships in Tangier, Morocco.
Named deputy captain of Team Ghana, Borteye hopes to translate her progress into a historic Olympic medal.
Madagascar’s Tina Andriantahina will bring her experience from continental youth and senior competitions to the Games. She has also shared the court with her mother, fellow table tennis player Jaoferson Fara, while representing Madagascar at the African Senior Championships.
Senegal’s Marieme Diallo will have the added motivation of competing before a home crowd. She is scheduled to contest the girls’ singles and partner Ferrer in the mixed doubles, giving the host nation another opportunity to shine in front of its supporters.
Tunisia’s Ela Saidi completes the featured group of girls. She won the U15 girls’ singles title at the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Cup, defeating Uganda’s Patience Anyango in the final.
Having made her senior national team debut at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis at just 14, Saidi has already gained experience beyond her age group.
With a mixture of continental champions, emerging prospects and experienced youth competitors, Africa’s representatives arrive in Dakar carrying the hopes of their respective nations and the wider table tennis community.
Beyond individual ambitions, the Games offer a significant opportunity to inspire a new generation of African players and demonstrate the continent’s growing strength in the sport.
As the competition unfolds, the 15 youngsters will seek to turn years of dedication and international experience into memorable performances.
