Written by Emmanuel Okogba
Mehdi Bouloussa of Algeria defeated Quadri Aruna of Nigeria in the semifinals of the 2026 ITTF African Cup in Benghazi, Libya, causing one of the biggest upsets in African table tennis history.
Quadri lost 4-3 to Bouloussa (11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7).
The triumph breaks a 31-year record in the competition and marks Bouloussa’s first-ever qualification for a continental final. Since 1991, he is the first player outside of Egypt and Nigeria to advance to the ITTF African Cup final.
After defeating Egypt’s Badr Mostafa 4-0 in the quarterfinals, Aruna moved to the semi-finals on Sunday. From the opening game on, Aruna dominated, defeating the Egyptian 11-5, 12-10, 11-8, and 11-9.
He had previously defeated Habeb Alajaebi of Libya 4-0 in the round of 16. Alajaebi lost against him 11-3, 11-4, 11-3, and 11-1.
Considered by many to be Africa’s most dominant player in recent years, Aruna has been vying for another championship to round out his illustrious career. Bouloussa defeated the Nigerian star to guarantee his spot in the title match, though, because to his incisive play and unwavering willpower.
Aruna has qualified for the ITTF World Cup in Macao, China, in spite of the defeat.
