All Africa Senior Team Championships 2026
Quarter-Finals | Royal Aria Gymnasium – Gaborone, Botswana
Quarter-final day at the Royal Aria Gymnasium delivered drama, dominance, and one major surprise that changed the direction of the men’s competition.
With semi-final places at stake, every team stepped onto court knowing there was no second chance. Some confirmed their strength. Others rose beyond expectations. And in one unforgettable tie, Zambia’s men stunned Nigeria to announce themselves as serious contenders for the continental title.
Zambia Men Stun Nigeria in Powerful Comeback
The biggest story of the evening came on Court 2, where Zambia defeated Nigeria 3–1 in a high-quality and emotional encounter.
Nigeria took the first singles, but Zambia responded with confidence and belief. Kalombo Mulenga fought back strongly to win his match in three games, shifting the momentum. His brother, Chongo Ezra Mulenga, followed with another three-game victory to give Zambia control of the tie.
Nigeria managed to pull one match back, but Zambia sealed the result in the doubles. The Mulenga brothers combined with speed, power, and clear understanding to close out the contest and secure a historic semi-final place.
The celebration at the end showed what this win meant.
Interview – Kalombo Mulenga (Zambia)
“We respect Nigeria a lot. They are experienced and always dangerous. After we lost the first match, we did not panic. We told each other that we only needed to focus on one match at a time.
In my singles, when I lost the first game, I changed my plan. I played more patient and tried to move him around the court. In the third game, I just told myself to fight for every shuttle.
This victory is special for Zambia badminton. We have been working very hard as a team. To reach the semi-finals by beating a strong team like Nigeria gives us confidence, but we are not finished yet. We want to keep pushing.”
Algeria Men March Past Ghana
On Court 1, Algeria’s men showed control and experience in their 3–0 win over Ghana.
From the first singles to the third, Algeria dictated the pace. Their players were sharp, aggressive, and tactically disciplined. The matches were decided in straight games, reflecting Algeria’s strong preparation and clear game plan.
They now move into the semi-finals with confidence and fresh legs.
Egypt Edge South Africa in Five-Match Thriller
Court 3 produced one of the most dramatic ties of the night. Egypt defeated South Africa 3–2 in a contest that went down to the final doubles match.
Egypt started well, winning two of the singles. South Africa responded with resilience, taking the third singles and first doubles to level the tie at 2–2.
The deciding match was tense. Egypt’s pair stayed calm in key moments, controlling the rallies and finishing strong to seal the victory.
Interview – Abdelrahman Abdelsattar (Egypt)
“This was one of the toughest matches we have played in this tournament. South Africa never gave up. When the score became 2–2, the pressure was very high.
Before the last match, we spoke as a team. We said this is why we train, for moments like this. In the deciding doubles, we focused on our communication. We kept reminding each other to stay positive.
Winning 3–2 shows our character. If we want to win this championship, we must be strong mentally. Tonight was an important step.”
Mauritius Men Too Strong for Zimbabwe
On Court 4, Mauritius delivered a clean and confident 3–0 victory over Zimbabwe.
Their singles players controlled the matches from the start. Georges Julien Paul, Jean Bernard Bongout, and Khemtish Rai Nundah all won comfortably, giving Mauritius a quick path to the semi-finals.
The team looked organised and sharp, sending a clear message ahead of the next round.
Women’s Quarter-Finals: Nigeria and Algeria Advance
In the women’s event, Nigeria proved their strength with a 3–0 victory over Mauritius. Although the score was clear, the matches were competitive, with long rallies and strong resistance from the Mauritian players.
Interview – Ruth Chinenye Ebere (Nigeria)
“Mauritius fought hard today. The score does not show how competitive the matches were. We had to stay focused from the first point to the last.
In the quarter-finals, there is no easy opponent. We prepared mentally for a tough battle. I am proud of how the team supported each other. Now we look forward to the semi-finals, but we know the level will increase again.”
Meanwhile, Algeria’s women overcame Cameroon 3–1 after dropping the opening singles. Algeria responded strongly, winning the next three matches with confidence and discipline to secure their place in the last four.”
Semi-Finals Await
Quarter-final day reminded everyone why the knockout stage is different. Every rally matters. Every mistake counts.
Zambia’s stunning victory over Nigeria will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the tournament so far. But with the semi-finals ahead, the story is far from over.
The Royal Aria Gymnasium now prepares for the next chapter in what has already been an unforgettable championship in Gaborone.
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