Ghana qualify for 2026 World Table Tennis Championships
Ghana’s women’s national table tennis team, the Black Loopers, have made history by booking their place at the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London.
The Ghanaian ladies sealed qualification in thrilling fashion with a 3–2 comeback victory over Angola last Friday at the ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, Tunisia, which also served as the continental qualifier for next year’s centenary World Championships.
Dramatic comeback
After a tough opening defeat to African giants Egypt, Ghana showed remarkable grit and determination to bounce back and secure a spot among Africa’s elite.
Their decisive tie against Angola was a roller coaster of emotions, with the Black Loopers producing one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the tournament.
Cynthia Kwabi opened the tie but narrowly lost 2–3 to Ruth Tavares, before Eva Adom-Amankwah fell 1–3 to Albino Isabel, leaving Ghana two matches down and facing elimination.
But the momentum shifted dramatically when Joanita Borteye stepped up to crush Sousa Kailane in straight sets (3–0) to spark hope of a comeback.
With renewed belief, Kwabi returned to the table with composure and power, dispatching Albino Isabel 3–0 to level the overall score at 2–2.
In a nail-biting decider, Adom-Amankwah showed nerves of steel to edge Ruth Tavares 3–2, sealing an unforgettable win and Ghana’s historic qualification.
The result saw Ghana finish second in their group, clinching one of the continent’s coveted qualification slots for London 2026.
Significant feat
Speaking from Tunis, Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) President, Mawuko Afadzinu, hailed the team’s resilience and sense of purpose.
“This qualification is a proud moment for Ghana table tennis. The ladies displayed tremendous character, fighting spirit and national pride.
Their success is a reflection of the progress we’re making as a federation,” Mr Afadzinu, who is also a member of the ITTF-Africa Executive Board, told the Graphic Sports.
For a nation that has quietly rebuilt its table tennis programme through development initiatives and youth grooming, the achievement by the Black Loopers represents both a milestone and a new beginning.
Ghana’s qualification comes at a symbolic time, as the 2026 World Championships in London will mark the 100th anniversary of the ITTF, making the Black Loopers’ comeback even more momentous.
