Joanita Borteye, a 13-year-old Ghanaian table tennis sensation, has impressed at the U15 girls singles of the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Youth Championships in Gaborone, Botswana.
Ranked second in Africa and 12th in the senior rankings, Borteye was a strong contender for the title.
She confidently sailed through Group Two, defeating Namibia’s Karolina Shigwedha and Botswana’s Rethabile Motsamai to secure her place in the knockout stages.
Borteye continued her winning streak, overcoming Madagascar’s Tina Andriantahina and Uganda’s Patra Nasirumbi to reach the semi-finals.
However, her journey was halted by Egypt’s Khadeeja Elhakim, who went on to claim the championship title.
Ghana’s other representative, Israel Aklie, also performed admirably in the U15 boys’ singles.
He progressed through the group stage and defeated Kenya’s Sayam Jakharia in the Round of 32.
Unfortunately, his campaign ended in the Round of 16 against Egypt’s Abdelmalk Elsayed.
Despite their singles exits, Borteye and Aklie showcased their potential not only in the singles but in the doubles format.
The pair reached the quarterfinals of the U15 mixed doubles before bowing out to a strong Egyptian duo.
Ghanaian table tennis is undoubtedly on the rise, with Borteye and Aklie demonstrating exceptional talent on the international stage.