Dominant Starts for Nigeria, Algeria, Mauritius and Egypt in Day 1 Morning Session

Day 1 – Morning Session

Gaborone, Botswana | 9 February

The All Africa Senior Badminton Championships got off to a strong and energetic start on Monday morning in Gaborone, Botswana, with the Men’s Team events taking centre stage across four courts. Several top African badminton nations made a clear statement early in the competition, delivering dominant performances and setting the tone for the days ahead.

Nigeria off to a flying start against Botswana (Group A)

Nigeria opened their campaign in Men’s Team Group A with a convincing 5–0 victory over hosts Botswana on Court 1. From the very first match, the Nigerian players showed speed, control, and confidence.

In the opening singles, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu gave Nigeria a solid start with a comfortable 21–11, 21–10 win over Tsamorena Kevin Kgosidialwa. Nigeria continued to build momentum as Joseph Abel dominated his match against Tefo Kabomo, winning 21–9, 21–3, followed by Ibrahim Dewo Ahmed, who controlled proceedings against Kethabanetswe Godknows with a 21–13, 21–7 victory.

The doubles matches confirmed Nigeria’s dominance. The pair of Joseph Abel and Alhaji Aliyu Shehu were sharp and well-coordinated as they defeated Tumelo Moilwa and Perekisi Tshepo 21–14, 21–13. In the final match, Ibrahim Dewo Ahmed and Saidu Aliyu held their nerve in the first game before closing out the tie with a 21–19, 21–15 win.

Post-match interview – Alhaji Aliyu Shehu (Nigeria):

“It was important for us to start strong today. Playing the first match always brings some pressure, but we stayed focused and followed our game plan. The team spirit is very good, and we are ready for the next challenge.”

Algeria dominant against Madagascar in Group C

On Court 2, Algeria delivered an impressive 5–0 win over Madagascar in Men’s Team Group C, showing great balance between singles and doubles.

The tie began with Adel Hamek facing strong resistance from Lalaina Jeremy Ramanana Rahary, but the Algerian player kept his calm to win 21–18, 21–18. Algeria then extended their lead as Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi won comfortably 21–10, 21–13, followed by Mohamed Abdelaziz Ouchefoun, who edged a competitive match 21–14, 21–13.

In doubles, Koceila Mammeri and Youcef Sabri Medel controlled the pace to win 21–13, 21–12, while Oussama Keddou and Mohamed Abdelaziz Ouchefoun completed the clean sweep with a commanding 21–10, 21–7 victory.

Mauritius cruise past Lesotho in Group D

Mauritius made a strong statement in Men’s Team Group D, securing a clear 5–0 victory over Lesotho on Court 3. The Mauritian players displayed discipline, consistency, and strong attacking play throughout the morning.

Georges Julien Paul started the tie with a confident 21–8, 21–6 win, followed by a very solid performance from Jean Bernard Bongout, who dominated his match 21–3, 21–6. Khemtish Rai Nundah kept the momentum going with a 21–7, 21–10 victory.

In doubles, Lucas Douce and Georges Julien Paul were in full control, winning 21–9, 21–7, before Jean Bernard Bongout and Khemtish Rai Nundah closed the tie emphatically with a 21–7, 21–2 win.

Post-match interview – Khemtish Nundah of Mauritius said to BCA TV:

“We are happy with the way we played this morning. Everyone stayed focused and respected the game. It’s a good start, but we know the competition will get tougher, so we have to stay sharp.”

Egypt overpower Burundi in Group B

On Court 4, Egypt delivered one of the most dominant performances of the morning, defeating Burundi 5–0 in Men’s Team Group B.

The Egyptian players were ruthless from the start, with Adham Hatem Elgamal winning 21–2, 21–4, followed by Ezzat Kareem and Seif Omar, who both recorded convincing straight-games victories. In doubles, Egypt continued their control, as Ahmed Ali Bahnsawy and Ezzat Kareem won 21–6, 21–6, and Abdelrahman Abdelsattar with Mohamed Mostafa Kamel sealed the tie 21–3, 21–3.

A composed start to the championships in Gaborone

The Day 1 morning session of the All Africa Senior Badminton Championships in Gaborone provided a clear first look at the level and direction of the competition. Across the Men’s Team ties, several nations imposed their structure early, combining discipline and consistency to secure controlled victories. With the opening matches completed, focus now shifts to the afternoon session, where teams will look to consolidate their positions and respond under increasing competitive pressure.

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