The city of Benghazi in Libya has officially become the centre of the African table tennis on Saturday, as African stars battle for ITTF World Cup Spots at the 2026 Africa Cup
14 countries with 45 players (27 men and 18 women), begin their quest for continental honours as well as some much-coveted tickets to the zenith of the game – the 2026 ITTF World Cup next month.
This landmark tournament, the first international table tennis event hosted in Libya, promises thrilling encounters as Africa’s top-ranked stars clash with rising talents eager to make their mark.
Six-time champion, Omar Assar of Egypt, stars under intense pressure, with challengers determined to halt his dominance.
Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, a five-time winner, is aiming to equal Assar’s record, rekindling one of Africa’s fiercest rivalries. Aruna, who has slowed his international appearances recently, must be at his best to match Assar’s six-title haul.
Egypt’s men’s squad also features the left-handed duo Youssef Abdelaziz and Mostapha Badr, both eyeing podium finishes.
Other contenders include Cameroon’s Ylane Batix, who impressed with a semifinal finish in 2025 and a debut at the ITTF World Cup in Macao; Benin’s Abdel-Kader Salifou, a former French youth international who switched allegiance and reached the semifinals in Tunis last year.
- Read more: African Stars Chase ITTF World Cup Spots
Also, Algeria’s crafty Mehdi Bouloussa, known for his calm and smooth style; and Tunisia’s teenage sensation Wassim Essid, who nearly toppled Assar in 2025 before losing 4–3. Libya’s own Habeb Alajaebi will enjoy home support, though breaking into the knockout stages would be a significant achievement.
In total, 27 men will contest the top prize and four coveted World Cup slots.
Egypt, defending champions in both men’s and women’s events, will field three players each. In the women’s singles, Hana Goda, Dina Meshref, and Mariam Alhodaby headline the competition.
At just 18, Goda — a three-time winner and the youngest champion in tournament history —will rely on her WTT and club experience to maintain her dominance.
Record-holder Meshref, with nine titles, seeks redemption after surrendering her crown in 2025, though her recent form has raised concerns. Alhodaby, who stunned both Goda and Meshref to win the 2021 African Championships, is still chasing her first Africa Cup triumph.
Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, runner-up in 2022, remains a dangerous opponent despite inconsistency, while Tunisia’s Ela Saidi (15) and Algeria’s Jade Marice represent the new generation of African talents.
Saidi impressed in Tunis last year, while Marice, the African cadet champion, is tipped as a future star. Other notable challengers include Hanitra Raharimanana of Madagascar and Rochica Sonday of South Africa, both steadily climbing the continental rankings.
With established champions and emerging talents converging in Benghazi, the 2026 ITTF Africa Cup promises to be a showpiece of African table tennis, showcasing the continent’s best in the game, beloved and followed by millions of fans on the continent.