Aklie Israel and Joanita Borteye End Ghana’s 39-Year Gold Medal Drought with Historic U-15 Mixed Doubles Triumph at ITTF Africa Youth Championships Accra 2026
Ghanaian table tennis witnessed one of the greatest moments in its history on Saturday as Israel Aklie and Joanita Borteye ended the nation’s 39-year wait for a continental gold medal, producing a sensational performance to capture the U-15 Mixed Doubles title at the ITTF Africa Youth Championships and Africa Cup Accra 2026.
Playing before an electrified home crowd at the Borteyman Sports Complex, the young Ghanaian pair defeated Tunisia’s Amori Amine and Ela Saidi in straight games (3-0) to crown themselves African champions and write a remarkable new chapter in Ghana’s sporting history.
The final was a showcase of composure, skill and determination from Aklie and Borteye, who held their nerve in two fiercely contested opening games before taking complete control in the third.
U-15 Mixed Doubles Final Ghana 3-0 Tunisia
- Game 1: 12-10
- Game 2: 12-10
- Game 3: 11-6
Under the expert guidance of Coach Robert Amartey, the duo displayed exceptional teamwork, tactical awareness and fearless attacking play to overcome one of Africa’s strongest youth pairings and send the home supporters into wild celebrations.
Their triumph is far more than just another championship victory. It marks the end of Ghana’s painful 39-year wait for a continental table tennis gold medal, making it one of the most significant achievements in the country’s history in the sport.
The last time Ghana stood on top of the African podium was in 1987, when Patricia Offei and Patience Opokuah claimed the women’s doubles gold medal at the All-Africa Games in Nairobi, Kenya. Nearly four decades later, a new generation has finally restored Ghana to the summit of African table tennis.
The road to the title was nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout the tournament, Aklie and Borteye consistently defeated some of the continent’s strongest opponents, including memorable victories over Egypt, before completing their dream run with a dominant performance against Tunisia in the championship match.
Their success also underlines the steady progress of Ghana’s youth table tennis programme and highlights the tremendous impact of hosting the continental championship in Accra. Inspired by passionate home support, the young stars rose to the occasion and delivered a performance that will inspire generations of Ghanaian players.
For Coach Robert Amartey, the gold medal is a testament to years of hard work, dedication and belief in the country’s emerging talents. His guidance has helped shape two outstanding young athletes into African champions on home soil.
As the Ghanaian flag was raised and the national anthem echoed through the Borteyman Sports Complex, it became a defining moment not only for Israel Aklie and Joanita Borteye but for the entire Ghanaian sporting community.
Their historic victory will forever be remembered as the day Ghana reclaimed its place among Africa’s table tennis elite.
After 39 years of waiting, the gold medal is finally back home.
By Achore Richard | Ghana Sports News