How Benin’s relay discipline dismantled Algeria in Entebbe
Benin opened its Africa AirBadminton Championships campaign with a commanding 60-37 victory over Algeria on Wednesday, September 16, in Entebbe, Uganda. The team relay format, which rewards consistency across four cumulative encounters, allowed Benin to impose its rhythm from the very first shuttle.
The foundation was laid in the men’s doubles, where Oswald Fano-Dosh and Carlos Miguel Kpanou secured a 15-11 win. That early cushion proved decisive, as it forced Algeria to chase the scoreboard for the remainder of the tie.
Gladys Akakpo and Flora Kpogbemabou then extended the aggregate to 30-17 in the women’s doubles, pushing Benin’s lead to thirteen points at the halfway mark. That margin gave the squad tactical breathing room and shifted the psychological weight onto Algeria.
Algeria attempted to respond in the men’s triples, but the trio of Carlos Miguel Kpanou, Oswald Fano-Dosh and Julien Totin held firm, preserving a 45-31 advantage. The closing women’s triples — Gladys Akakpo, Blessing Atchade and Flora Kpogbemabou — sealed the final score at 60-37.
Group A standings and the road ahead
The result places Benin in a favorable position in Group A, which also includes Algeria and Tunisia. Algeria had previously beaten Tunisia 60-52, meaning Benin’s next fixture against the Tunisians will likely decide the group’s final hierarchy.
Benin’s delegation in Entebbe features ten players competing across 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 tournament runs until September 19 and doubles as a qualifying pathway toward the next AirBadminton World Championship. For Benin, the opening win is more than a scoreline — it is a statement of intent in a format where cumulative pressure often decides outcomes.
