Libya arrived at the individual championships in Cairo with players ready to test themselves against some of the continent’s strongest young badminton players.
For H Etawel and M Alsheridi, Day 1 offered that opportunity almost immediately.
The men’s singles draw brought Alsheridi onto Court 3 against South Africa’s Aiden Dednam. The Libyan player faced a difficult challenge from the start, with Dednam taking the opening game 15–3 before closing the match 15–1.
But Libya’s day was not finished.
On Court 2, H Etawel faced Ghana’s O Adu-Mintah in the men’s singles Round of 32. The match was decided quickly, with the Ghanaian player taking both games 15–0.
The scorelines were heavy, but they also reflected one of the realities of junior championship badminton: young players are often asked to compete against opponents who have spent years developing within strong national systems.
Libya’s presence in Cairo, however, extended beyond the singles draw.
Etawel and Alsheridi joined forces in the men’s doubles, returning to Court 3 for a Round of 16 encounter against Algeria’s M Bouffeniche and S Saidani.
The Libyan pair found themselves facing another demanding challenge. Algeria took control early and eventually secured the match 15–7, 15–1.
For Libya, the results did not necessarily tell the whole story of the day.
Three matches, three different challenges and three opportunities to experience the intensity of a continental junior championship.
There is a particular value in being part of these moments at a young age. Players learn what the pace feels like, how quickly matches can change and what is required when facing opponents from countries with established badminton programmes.
For Etawel and Alsheridi, Cairo was therefore not simply about advancing through a draw.
It was about taking their place on the same courts as Africa’s leading junior players and experiencing, match by match, what it takes to compete at this level.
And sometimes, the first step in a player’s championship journey is simply having the courage to take the court.
