Zaghloul and Makhlouf Win 2025 Padel Accra Open

Egyptian duo Ali Zaghloul and Sherif Makhlouf have emerged victorious at the 2025 Padel Accra Open international tournament, concluding the Ghana padel season on a high note.

The pair defeated Spain’s Alfonso Velasco and Najib Fakih of Lebanon, currently based in Côte d’Ivoire, in a commanding straight-sets victory on Sunday night at the S2 Sports Complex in Spintex, Accra.

Zaghloul and Makhlouf, who had boldly declared their intention to win the championship on the opening day of the seven-day competition, fulfilled their promise, taking home a cash prize of $6,000 and winner’s plaques.

“A club like that helps us to perform better. Everything about the club is amazing, the organisation, the support, everything. All such things help us to perform better,” said Makhlouf, visibly elated after the win. He added, “I feel very happy to win this tournament.”

Velasco and Fakih, despite their loss, demonstrated strong performance throughout the tournament and were awarded $3,000 and plaques as runners-up.

In domestic competition, Kingsley Alormenu and Benjamin Tukpeyi secured the title in the men’s P50 category, also receiving a cash prize and plaques. The women’s crown went to Ana Guersi and Yasmine Odaymat, with Guersi expressing her enthusiasm for a return next year.

“This time it was magical, and we had a great time,” Guersi stated. “We thank everyone that made it possible. We hope to have more tournaments like this next year. It was mind-blowing. The club is really amazing.”

Jean-Noel Said, President of the Professional Padel Association of Ghana, announced plans for a more expansive and competitive event in the coming year. “They were amazing. We hope that we made it fun for them, comfortable for them, and well organised, so that next year they can come back,” he commented.

Said further explained that with the establishment of the Professional Padel Association and the opening of numerous padel clubs across Ghana, next year’s competition will feature a full tournament season moving from club to club. “So now the Professional Padel Association will have a tournament season that will go from club to club throughout the year, which is the first time this will happen, and we are very excited about it. We’re looking forward to it, and hopefully everything will run smoothly. We hope the competitors and the players will enjoy it,” he said.

Players who participated in the Ghana Padel League across different categories were also acknowledged with medals and prizes. Looking ahead, organisers have confirmed the Padel Accra Open’s elevation to an International Padel Federation Bronze Tour event starting November 2026, offering ranking points and increased international exposure to Ghana’s rising padel stars.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE