Algerian Judokas Lili and Benchallal Reach African Championships Final in Nairobi

NAIROBI, Kenya — Algerian judokas Mohamed El Mehdi Lili and Dyhia Benchallal have secured their places in the final of the African Senior Championships 2026 Individuals after strong performances on the second and final day of competition in Kenya’s capital.

Lili, competing in the men’s +100 kilogram category and Benchallal, in the women’s +78 kilogram division, both won their respective semifinal bouts to advance to Saturday’s title matches, according to official competition results.

The duo’s success marks a significant achievement for Algerian judo at the continental championships, with both athletes demonstrating consistent form throughout the tournament.

Lili, a 30-year-old veteran of the international circuit, has built a strong resume in recent years, including gold medal victories at the African Open tournaments in Tunis and Algiers in 2024 and 2025, as well as a winning performance at the African Open in Dakar earlier this year.

His competitive history includes participation in multiple World Championships, most recently placing 17th in the +100kg division at the 2024 World Championships, and representing Algeria at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

Benchallal’s advancement adds to Algeria’s growing presence in women’s judo at the elite level, though detailed personal statistics for her were not available in the verified sources consulted for this report.

The African Senior Championships 2026 Individuals event in Nairobi brought together top judokas from across the continent, with competition held over two days in the Kenyan capital.

Lili’s path to the final included a victory at the Dakar African Open on March 29, 2026, where he claimed first place, continuing a pattern of strong performances in African Open events that began with wins in Algiers and Tunis in February 2025.

His competitive record shows a history of success against familiar opponents, including multiple victories over Sebastien Perrinne of Mauritius in various African Championship meets between 2019 and 2023.

According to verified athlete profiles, Lili has competed in the African Championships since 2015, accumulating four bronze medals and one silver prior to this year’s tournament, highlighting his longevity and consistency at the continental level.

His world ranking in the +100kg division stood at 51st with 636 points as of April 25, 2026, reflecting his status as a established but not top-tier competitor in the global hierarchy.

The Algerian judoka’s next scheduled competition is the mixed team event at the African Senior Championships 2026, set for April 26, 2026, following the conclusion of the individual competitions.

Benchallal’s progression to the final in the +78kg category represents a notable accomplishment, though specific details about her tournament path, past results, or personal background were not included in the accessible verified sources for this article.

Both athletes’ appearances in the final underscore Algeria’s continued investment and competitiveness in judo on the African stage, particularly in the heavier weight classes where depth can be limited.

The Championships serve as a key qualifier and benchmark for African judokas aiming to measure their progress against regional peers ahead of larger international competitions.

With the individual finals set for Saturday, both Lili and Benchallal will have the opportunity to contend for continental titles in their respective weight divisions.

The event’s location in Nairobi placed the competition in East Africa, drawing participants from nations across the continent’s five regions for a unified continental championship.

As the tournament concludes, the focus will shift to the mixed team competition, where Algeria will look to build on the momentum generated by its individual finalists.

For ongoing updates on the African Senior Championships 2026 and other international judo events, readers are encouraged to follow official channels from the International Judo Federation and African Judo Union.

What’s next: The individual finals of the African Senior Championships 2026 will capture place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by the mixed team competition on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of judo and other global sports developments.