African Stars Shine Bright at 2025 ITTF World Cup as Meshref, Goda, and Aruna Dominate Group Openers

Africa Makes Strong Statement at 2025 ITTF World Cup as Meshref, Goda, and Aruna Blaze Through Openers in Macao

Africa’s table tennis elite wasted no time announcing their intentions at the 2025 ITTF World Cup in Macao, China, with Dina Meshref, Hana Goda, and Quadri Aruna delivering standout performances in their opening group matches at the Galaxy Arena.

Dina Meshref

Dina Meshref Proves Her Mettle Again

Making her eighth appearance at the prestigious tournament, Egyptian icon Dina Meshref displayed her trademark resilience and finesse as she dispatched Singapore’s Zhu Chengzhu in four sets, winning 3-1 (11-9, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11). The 29-year-old continues to be a beacon for African women in table tennis, blending experience and consistency at the global level.

Hana Goda’s Flawless Display

Rising star and reigning 2025 ITTF Africa Cup champion Hana Goda delivered a clinical performance, steamrolling Macao’s local favorite Seak Hui Li 4-0 (11-2, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8). The teenage sensation from Egypt barely broke a sweat, making a commanding statement in her World Cup campaign and further solidifying her status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.

Quadri Aruna

Quadri Aruna Survives Salifou Scare in All-African Showdown

In one of the most thrilling matches of the day, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna overcame a stiff challenge from Abdel-Kader Salifou of Benin in a heated rematch of their Africa Cup duel. Despite trailing at critical moments, Aruna used his experience to edge out a 3-1 win (11-6, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8).

“A first match in such events is always difficult… I’m really happy and satisfied with my performance,” Aruna reflected after the match.

Salifou, who is still building momentum after returning to the international circuit following a five-year hiatus, remained optimistic:

“It’s only my second competition for Benin. I had my chances but Aruna played really well. I’ll stay focused on the next match.”

Mohamed ELBEIALI（EGY）ITTF World Cup Macao 2025

Mixed Fortunes for Other African Players

While the top names impressed, other African competitors faced tough hurdles:

• Mohamed El-Beiali of Egypt fell to Chinese teenage sensation Huang Youzheng, 4-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-2, 11-8). The match featured the tournament’s first-ever Table Tennis Review (TTR), with a call going against El-Beiali.

• Cameroon’s Ylane Batix put up a spirited fight but couldn’t match the intensity of South Korea’s An Jaehyun, losing 4-0.

• Mariam Alhodaby of Egypt battled valiantly but was swept 4-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-7, 11-2) by Hong Kong’s Doo Hoi Kem in a match that still earned crowd applause for its entertainment value.

Hana Goda

Tournament Outlook

With over 96 players vying for the top prize in Macao, the 2025 ITTF World Cup promises more adrenaline-filled action. For Africa’s standout trio—Meshref, Goda, and Aruna—the journey is off to a blazing start, and fans across the continent are watching closely as they aim for glory on the world stage.

Written by Boom RadioNG