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Egyptians Hana Goda and Omar Assar emerged the 2023 ITTF-Africa Cup women’s and men’s singles champions after scintillating displays at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani indoor gymnasium.

Assar defeated Nigerian legend Quadri Aruna 4-1 in the best of seven men’s singles final despite the pain caused an inflamed back.

After the historic match in Nairobi, Assar commented: “This will perhaps go down as the hardest ever ITTF Africa event that I have ever played. I was very close to quitting when I arrived in Nairobi with a back injury, but thanks to the Kenyan medical team for their efforts, as this wouldn’t have been possible. I feel for Aruna, he is a great player.” In winning the Nairobi edition of the continental Cup, Assar chucked up his 10th  career ITTF Africa title having won the 2018 edition in Nairobi with zest and vigor.

The men’s final nevertheless failed to live up to its billing as the Nigerian superstar failed to unleash his signature forehand antics.

Aruna on his part said: “I should have been more patient with the game. I think I did my best but it was one of those days. Things were not really working for me. Table tennis is a game of chances and you have to charge from the word go,”

Earlier on, Hana staged a stunning comeback to defend the women’s singles title with a convincing 4-3 victory over Olympian and multiple winner Dina Meshref.