Benin’s 60-37 AirBadminton win over Algeria: what it means for the tournament and the sport’s growth

Benin opens African AirBadminton Championship with statement victory

Benin launched its campaign at the African AirBadminton Championships with a decisive 60-37 win over Algeria on Wednesday, September 16, in Entebbe, Uganda. Competing in the team relay event, the Beninese squad took control from the opening men’s doubles and never relinquished their grip through the fourth match.

How the match unfolded

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

Algeria narrowed the gap in the men’s triples, but the trio of Carlos Miguel Kpanou, Oswald Fano-Dosh, and Julien Totin maintained a 45-31 advantage. Gladys Akakpo, Blessing Atchade, and Flora Kpogbemabou closed out the contest to seal the 60-37 final score.

Group A standings and what’s at stake

The result puts Benin in a strong position in Group A, which also includes Algeria and Tunisia. Algeria had previously defeated Tunisia 60-52. Benin’s next match against Tunisia will be crucial for determining the group’s final standings.

Benin’s delegation and the broader tournament

Benin has brought ten players to Entebbe, competing in team, doubles, and triples events. The third edition of the championship brings together 14 nations and over 120 participants at Aero Beach, according to Badminton Uganda.

The competition runs until September 19. The continental event also serves as part of the qualification pathway for the next AirBadminton World Championships.