South African women ended their country’s 12-year wait in the All-Africa Men’s & Women’s Team Championships by coming from behind to defeat Uganda 3-2 yesterday.
In the final in Cairo, Egypt, singles players Gladys Mbabazi and Husina Kobugabe put Uganda two-up with straight games victories over Deidre Laurens and Diane Oliver respectively.
Third singles Johanita Scholtz however started South Africa’s revival with a 21-11 21-14 win over Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi before the doubles pairings of Amy Ackerman/Laurens and Megan De Beer/Scholtz put two more points on the board to seal the gold medal.
The record-extending sixth title is South Africa’s first since 2012.
In the men’s final, holders Algeria took home the title for the fourth straight time, but only after recovering from being 2-0 down themselves against Nigeria.
Adel Hamek was their hero, first prevailing 21-18 16-21 21-16 in the all-important third match against Godwin Olofua, then combining with Koceila Mammeri to overcome Olofua/Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori 25-23 21-15 in the deciding men’s doubles clash.
The winning nations will represent the continent at the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 in Chengdu, China in April.
The players will return to contest the individual events today, with the final slated for Sunday.