All Africa Senior Team Championships 2026
Day 3 | Final Group Matches – Wednesday, 11 February
Royal Aria Gymnasium – Gaborone, Botswana
Day 3 at the All Africa Senior Team Championships marked the end of the group stage. Inside the Royal Aria Gymnasium, the atmosphere was focused and serious. Every team knew that these final matches would decide who moves forward to the quarter-finals.
There was no room for mistakes. The group stage ended with intensity, emotion, and clear statements from teams ready for the knockout rounds.
Mauritius edge Algeria in dramatic women’s tie (Group A)
One of the most exciting ties of the morning took place on Court 1 in the Women’s Team Group A match between Algeria and Mauritius. The contest went down to the final match, with Mauritius winning 3–2.
Mauritius started strongly. Elsa How Hong defeated Yasmina Chibah 21–15, 21–14 in the first singles. Algeria responded through Halla Bouksani, who won the second singles 21–15, 21–12 against Tiya Bhurtun.
The third singles became a turning point. Chiara How Hong of Mauritius fought back after losing the first game to defeat Malak Ouchefoun 18–21, 21–18, 21–17. That victory gave Mauritius a crucial lead.
Algeria levelled the tie again in the first doubles. Sirine Ibrahim and Tanina Violette Mammeri won 21–19, 21–17 against Chiara How Hong and Elsa How Hong, setting up a decisive fifth match.
In the final doubles, Tiya Bhurtun and Layna Luxmi Chiniah held their nerve. They won 21–18, 22–20 in a tense contest to seal a 3–2 victory for Mauritius.
It was a tie decided by small margins and strong mental control.
Tiya Bhurtun (Mauritius)
“We knew this tie would be very difficult. Algeria is always a strong team and they never give up. After we lost the second singles and then the doubles levelled the score at 2–2, we told ourselves to stay calm. In matches like this, if you think too much about the result, you lose focus.
In the last doubles, the pressure was very high. Every point felt important. At 20–20 in the second game, we just reminded each other to trust our training and play simple badminton. We did not try to do something special. We just focused on good service, good return, and staying solid in defence.
This win gives us confidence going into the quarter-finals. But we also know the next matches will be even harder. The group stage helped us understand our strengths and what we must improve. Now it is a new competition. In the knockout stage, every match is like a final.”
Mauritius send strong message in men’s event (Group D)
On Court 2, Mauritius delivered one of the most dominant performances of the day. They defeated South Africa 5–0 in the Men’s Team Group D tie.
Lucas Douce set the tone with a 21–11, 21–18 win over Caden Kakora. Georges Julien Paul followed with a tight 21–15, 25–23 victory against Anthony Phillips. Khemtish Rai Nundah controlled his match comfortably, winning 21–9, 21–11.
The doubles pairs continued the momentum. Jean Bernard Bongout and Georges Julien Paul won 21–15, 21–17, while Lucas Douce and Khemtish Rai Nundah completed the clean sweep with a 21–19, 21–12 victory.
The 5–0 result showed Mauritius’ depth and confidence at the right time of the tournament.
Seychelles overcome Lesotho in competitive tie (Group D)
On Court 4, Seychelles defeated Lesotho 4–1 in another Men’s Team Group D encounter.
Jakim Renaud gave Seychelles a strong start with a 21–12, 21–8 win. Lesotho responded through Neo Rahlolo, who defeated Yohan Didon 21–19, 21–17 to level the tie.
Daniel Bedier restored Seychelles’ lead with a 21–13, 21–18 victory. The doubles then secured the overall win. Didon and Renaud dominated the first doubles 21–8, 21–13.
The final doubles provided drama. Bedier and Joshua Raguin won 16–21, 22–20, 23–21 in a hard-fought three-game battle to close the tie 4–1.
Quarter-Finals Await
With the group stage now completed, the focus shifts to the quarter-finals of the Team Event. Over the past three days, teams have tested their depth, adjusted tactics, and built momentum.
Now the competition changes. There are no second chances in the knockout stage. Every match will decide who continues the journey toward the continental title.
The Royal Aria Gymnasium is ready for the next chapter.
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