Benin edges Algeria 60-37 in Africa AirBadminton opener at Entebbe

Benin began its Africa AirBadminton Championship campaign with a 60-37 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, September 16, in Entebbe, Uganda. Competing in the team relay event, the Beninese squad took control from the men’s doubles and never relinquished it through the fourth matchup.

How the relay unfolded: early lead, steady control

Oswald Fano-Dosh and Carlos Miguel Kpanou set the tone with a 15-11 win. Gladys Akakpo and Flora Kpogbemabou then pushed the cumulative score to 30-17 in the women’s doubles, giving Benin a thirteen-point cushion at the halfway point.

Algeria’s push and Benin’s response

Algeria narrowed the gap in the men’s triples, but the trio of Carlos Miguel Kpanou, Oswald Fano-Dosh and Julien Totin kept the essential lead at 45-31. Gladys Akakpo, Blessing Atchade and Flora Kpogbemabou closed out the match to seal the 60-37 scoreline.

Group A standings and what’s next

This opening result puts Benin in a favorable position in Group A, which also includes Algeria and Tunisia. Algeria had previously beaten Tunisia 60-52. Benin’s next match against Tunisia will be decisive for the group’s final standings.

Benin’s delegation and tournament context

The Beninese delegation has ten badminton players registered in Entebbe for the team, doubles and triples events. The third edition of the championship brings together 14 nations and more than 120 participants at Aero Beach, according to Badminton Uganda.

The competition runs until September 19. The continental event also serves as a qualifying pathway to the next AirBadminton World Championship.