Ghana has made a remarkable start at the 2024 International Tennis Federation (ITF)/Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) Western African Junior Teams’ Competition for 12-and-Under players.
The team’s victories over Côte d’Ivoire and Benin in the tournament’s initial days have set a strong foundation for its journey.
The tournament, which began on Tuesday, August 20, and will run until Saturday, August 24, is hosted at the Ghana Tennis Club in Adabraka, Accra.
This regional competition, now in its second edition, features teams from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, and the host nation, Ghana. The level of competition is high, making every match a thrilling spectacle for the fans.
In their opening match, Ghana delivered a decisive 3-0 win against Côte d’Ivoire.
Jeff Frimpong led the charge with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Daylaor Toto Yohane in the boys’ singles.
This means Frimpong won all six games in both sets, without conceding a single game.
Eric Toto followed with a 6-1, 6-0 win against Kadjo Nguessan Christ I Yvan.
He won six games in the first set and seven games in the second set, while his opponent won only one game in the first set.
The boys’ doubles team of Frimpong and Ethan Delali Dzidzornu furthered Ghana’s lead with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Yohane and Ekou Louis Joseph Emmanuel.
As a result, Ghana is currently leading the standings with two wins, followed by Nigeria and Burkina Faso with one win each. Ghana continued their winning streak on Wednesday, August 21, by defeating Benin 3-0.
In the boys’ singles, Frimpong and Toto excelled again, with Frimpong triumphing 6-2, 6-0 over Bebo Ange and Toto overcoming Ivan Alowakinnou 7-6(4), 6-2.
The boys’ doubles team of Frimpong and Dzidzornu won 7-6(5), 6-2 against the Benin pair, ensuring another clean sweep for Ghana.
However, the girls’ team faced a setback on the same day, losing 3-0 to Benin.
Tena Kaouagou defeated Georgette Nartey with scores of 1-6, 0-6, while Anna Nyarko lost to Honfoga Gisele 2-6, 1-6.
In the doubles match, despite a spirited effort, Nartey and Nyarko were ultimately beaten 2-6, 6-4, 3-10 by Gisele and Bayaki Moukiata.
The tournament offers the top boys’ and girls’ teams the opportunity to qualify for the 2024 12-and-Under African Junior Teams’ Competition, a prestigious event that showcases the region’s emerging talent.
These early matches are crucial for securing a spot in the continental event and gaining exposure at an international level.
