Israel Aklie and Juanita Borteye have qualified for the quarter finals of the ongoing ITTF African Youth Championships mixed doubles being held in Gaborone, Botwana.
They beat Kenya-Botswana pair of Anaab Abduldaim and Boitlamo Nkele 3-0 (11-2, 12-10, 11-3) in the round of 32 after securing a bye in the round of 64. In the round of 16, they defeated Didier Munezero and Elizabeth Kamikazi of Rwanda 3-1 (7-11, 11-7, 11-9, and 11-5) to secure a quarter final spot.
Going into their quarter final encounter against Egyptian pair of Asser Sameh and Khadeeja Elhakim, team Ghana will be relying on the in-form Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) award winners Israel Aklie and Juanita Borteye who have gained considerable experience playing for the senior national team.
Israel Aklie, having won the boys’ singles tournament in the Hopes competition earlier, with Borteye placing fourth in the girls’ category, they have the much needed confidence to give the Egyptian pair a run for their money.They are coached by national star Cynthia Kwabi.
The ITTF African Youth Championships in Gaborone, Botswana started on July 15 and will end on July 21 2024. It was preceded by the ITTF Africa Continental Hopes Week and Challenge.
Story by Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah
