AirBadminton: Benin defeats Algeria 60-37 to kick off its tournament

Benin began its African AirBadminton Championships with a 60-37 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, September 16, in Entebbe, Uganda. Competing in the team relay, the Beninese team took the lead right from the men’s doubles and maintained control through the fourth match.

Oswald Fano-Dosh and Carlos Miguel Kpanou opened the match with a win of 15-11. Gladys Akakpo and Flora Kpogbemabou then extended the cumulative score to 30-17 in the women’s doubles, giving Benin a thirteen-point lead at halftime.

Algeria narrowed the gap in the men’s triples, but the trio of Carlos Miguel Kpanou, Oswald Fano-Dosh, and Julien Totin held on to a 45-31 advantage. Gladys Akakpo, Blessing Atchade, and Flora Kpogbemabou then wrapped up the match, finalizing the score at 60-37.

This initial result places Benin in a favorable 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 the group standings.

The Beninese delegation consists of ten players competing in Entebbe across team, doubles, and triples events. The third edition of the championship features 14 nations and over 120 participants at Aero Beach, according to Badminton Uganda.

The competition continues until September 19. This continental event is also part of the qualification pathway for the upcoming AirBadminton World Championship.