NAIROBI, Kenya — Mohamed El Mehdi Lili delivered another golden moment for Algerian judo, clinching the men’s +100 kg title at the 2026 African Judo Championships in Nairobi on Saturday. His victory over Egypt’s Mohamed Aborakia in the final capped a dominant performance that saw Algeria reclaim continental supremacy with a haul of nine medals — four gold, one silver, and four bronze.
Lili’s triumph marked his first continental senior title, a breakthrough that arrived after years of steady progression within Algeria’s judo ranks. The Algerian heavyweight secured the win via immobilization, a technique reflecting his disciplined approach on the tatami. Speaking after the match, Lili acknowledged the weight of expectation but emphasized focus on execution: “I knew what was at stake, not just for me but for the team. Staying calm and imposing my game was key.”
The victory was the culmination of a strong second day of individual competition, during which Lili and teammate Dyhia Benchallal both advanced to finals in their respective weight classes. While Lili claimed gold, Benchallal settled for silver after her final against Tunisia’s Dhawaedi Sixar in the women’s +78 kg division. Their dual appearances in the championship bouts underscored Algeria’s depth, particularly in the higher weight categories where they have traditionally been less dominant.
Algeria’s medal surge began Friday, the opening day of individual events, when the national team struck early and often. Yasmine Djellab opened the account with gold in the women’s -63 kg division, defeating Tunisia’s Maram J’Mour in the final. Kais Moudetere followed suit in the men’s -66 kg category, overcoming Angola’s Pedro Edmilson to claim his second African title. Driss Messaoud completed a historic treble for Algeria in the men’s -73 kg class, defeating Morocco’s Hassan Doukkali to become a quadruple African champion — a feat that cements his status as one of the nation’s most decorated judokas.
Two bronze medals from the first day came courtesy of Younes Benlaribi in the men’s -60 kg division and Lycia Anaïs Guebli in the women’s -52 kg category. Their performances, alongside those of teammates who placed between fifth and ninth, illustrated the breadth of Algeria’s contingent, which fielded 18 athletes across all weight classes in Nairobi.
Saturday’s action brought further rewards. Beyond Lili’s gold and Benchallal’s silver, Algeria added three more bronze medals through Abdeslem Belbelhout (-81 kg), Zakaria Rayane Benatia (-100 kg), and Douniazed Rezoug (-70 kg). These results pushed the nation’s total to nine medals — four gold, one silver, and four bronze — surpassing rivals Tunisia (seven medals: three gold, two silver, two bronze) and Egypt (nine medals: two gold, four silver, three bronze) in the overall standings.
The outcome represents a significant rebound for Algerian judo following their last continental team triumph in Oran in 2022. Driss Messaoud, reflecting on the team’s evolution, noted the emergence of new leaders: “Having athletes like Yassamine and Mohamed win their first continental titles shows the cycle is renewing. We’re building on what veterans have established while giving space for the next generation to shine.”
Lili’s victory, in particular, symbolizes that transition. Though not yet a household name internationally, his performance in Nairobi — marked by composure under pressure and technical precision — suggests he could become a consistent presence at major events. His win also broke Egypt’s brief hold on the men’s +100 kg continental title, restoring Algeria to the top of the podium in a division where they have historically excelled.
With the individual events concluded, Algeria now turns its focus to the team competitions scheduled for Sunday. The judokas will aim to replicate their individual success in the squad events, seeking to cap their Kenyan campaign with another continental title. For Lili, Benchallal, and their teammates, the immediate challenge is recovery and refocusing as they prepare to represent Algeria in the team format — a discipline where cohesion and collective strategy often outweigh individual brilliance.
The 2026 African Judo Championships served as more than a medal tally; it affirmed Algeria’s return to the forefront of African judo. With a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents, the North African nation has positioned itself as a formidable force heading into the next cycle of continental and global competitions. As the team departs Nairobi, the memory of Lili’s golden finish — and the collective effort that made it possible — will undoubtedly fuel their ambitions for the challenges ahead.
Archysport will continue to monitor Algeria’s judo program as it prepares for upcoming international fixtures, including qualification events for the next Olympic cycle. For now, the focus remains on celebrating a historic weekend in Nairobi, where Algerian judo wrote another chapter in its storied continental legacy.
What’s next for Algerian judo? The team shifts to team events on Sunday, aiming to extend their medal haul. Fans can follow live updates through the Algerian Judo Federation’s official channels as the squad competes for continental glory in the team format.
Share your thoughts on Algeria’s performance in Nairobi. Did Mohamed El Mehdi Lili’s gold medal surprise you, or was it a testament to the program’s steady rise? Join the conversation below.
