The national Table Tennis team of Ghana, known as the Black Loopers, experienced a disappointing start to the African Games 2023 in Accra, with all members being eliminated in the opening round of the singles competition. Despite a promising beginning in the women’s singles, Ghana’s lack of preparation became evident in subsequent results.

Celia Baah Danso secured Ghana’s first win of the day with a three-set victory over Kenya’s Nasimuyu Lisa in the women’s singles. However, her triumph was short-lived as she faced elimination in the next round against Algeria’s Nasri Malisa. Bernice Borquaye and Eva Adom-Amankwaa added to Ghana’s victories, but the team’s overall performance was hindered by subsequent losses.

In the men’s singles, 15-year-old Israel Aklie, considered one of Ghana’s brightest tennis prospects, suffered a surprising first-round exit against Nigeria’s Matthew Kuti. The Ghanaian struggled to handle Kuti’s signature spin hits and made several unforced errors.

Despite some positive moments, including victories by Samuel Akayade and Emmanuel Commey, Ghana faced significant challenges in the men’s singles. Team captain Bernard Joe Sam had an uncharacteristically meek performance, leading to a straight-sets loss against Egypt’s Adel Mohamed Shouman Mohamed.

The men’s singles round of 32 witnessed Samuel Akayade’s tournament ending with a loss to Algeria’s Stephan Laurent, while Emmanuel Commey faced defeat against DR Congo’s Idowu Saheed in three straight sets.

The overall performance signals a tough start for Ghana’s Table Tennis team at the African Games, prompting the need for strategic adjustments and renewed focus in upcoming competitions.