Algeria spoils hosts’ party as African Beach Games come to a close

Algeria topped the African Beach Games medals table with 15 golds ©COA

Algeria denied host nation Tunisia from topping the medals table at the conclusion of the Hammamet 2023 African Beach Games.

The Algerians improved upon their second-place finish from Sal 2019 with 15 gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze medals at the Games.

Tunisia followed closely behind, and also improved their total from four years ago, with 39 medals overall.

The hosts picked up 13 gold, 12 silver, and 14 bronze titles to beat Morocco to the runners-up tag.

Last editions champions settled for third on eight golds after a disappointing showing while Nigeria and Senegal rounded out the top five with six and five wins, respectively.

The final Algerian triumph came in the men’s tennis doubles as they cruised past Morocco in straight sets by a 2-0 scoreline.

Aya Ferfad became the first Algerian kayaker to win gold at the continental event.

She prevailed in the sea kayak discipline over South African Ayenda Mayumbo and Tunisia’s Meroua Belhaj Mohamed for first place.

This year’s African Beach Games are seen as a chance for athletes to warm up for the Association of National Olympic Committees World Beach Games next month.

The event is scheduled to take place in Bali from August 5 to 12 after being selected in June 2022.

By Owen Lloyd