The Pharaohs continued their tight grip on the All Africa Senior Championships, qualifying for the finals in all but two events.
Straight from their win in the team event, the Egyptians secured a place in the Men’s Singles through the heroic display of Adham Hatem Elgamal, who beat Kalombo Mulenga from Zambia. Kalombo, one of the surprises of the tournament, was no match to the on-form Elgamal. Kalombo Mulenga lost 21-5, 21-14 to settle for the bronze medal.
In the second semi-finals, the 2018 Youth Olympics Bronze medallist Mostafa Kamel suffered a groin injury against fellow teammate Ahmed Salah and retired early from the match, setting up an all Egyptian finals.
“This tournament is special to me, said Salah. For the second time in my career, I have reached the finals of 2 events. In 2017, I was lucky to repeat the same fete.
When I won the team event, I knew I would perform better in the individuals. A very tough tournament after a long break because of covid, but we were ready for it,” Salah added.
Adham Elgamal wasted no time establishing his command in the finals against Salah. He looked the hungrier of the two and was quick to take the game 21-14, 21-14 giving no chance to his compatriot.
“I am happy with my performance in this tournament. I want to thank my family, as this is the only gift I can give them. I hope they are proud of me as their son is the new king of Africa.” Adham enthused.
I also want to thank my coach, and my teammates, they pushed me daily and supported me as hard as they could. Thank you, Uganda for making this happen and for making memories that won’t be forgotten.
Finally, Adham is the king of African juniors and seniors. I hope I am a good role model in Africa and especially in Egypt. He added.
Egypt had the chance to get another Gold Medal in the Women’s singles category when the three-time Olympic qualifier Doha Hany faced Johanita Scholz from South Africa, the 2019 African Champion. Johanita capitalized on Doha’s inconsistent performance at the tournament to take the game beyond her reach, winning the game in 2 straight games of 21-15 21-11.
“I am happy with my performance. It was hard at the beginning, but I eventually found my rhythm and started playing better. Doha is a great player, and I have lots of respect for her. She played much better in the finals than in the other earlier matches she had. I prayed the best player would win, and thankfully it’s me. I thank my team for their support and believe that together we will dominate the championships.”
“We did extremely well, and I am very proud of them. The plan was to be top in Africa in 5 years, this year 4 so one more year.” South Africa’s coach talking to BCA Tv.
South Africa was not the only team that rained on Egypt’s parade. The Algerians had a point to prove in the Men’s Doubles, denying the Egyptians a second Gold. The tall duo of Koceila Mammeri and Youcef Sabri Medel beat the combination of Ahmed Salah and Abdelrahman Abdelhakim 21-16 21-13.
Egypt was third-time unlucky in their quest for a second Gold in the individual event losing to the Mammeri Siblings from Algeria in the Mixed doubles 21-10 21-7. Adham El Gamal and Doha Hany were no match to the on-form Algerians.
” I am happy and proud that we won with my brother Gold in the mixed doubles. This is quite an achievement in my first tournament in Africa.”
said Tanina Mammeri.
In the Women’s Doubles, the South Africans were at it again with the pair of Johanita Scholz and the ever- innovative shy Amy Ackerman beating the Algerian scrap combination of Mounib Celia and Tanina Mammeri 23-21 21-13. Mounib Celia stepping in for the injured Linda Mazri.
Egypt was crowned the overal winner of the Championships with a total of 2 gold medals in the team and individual event.
