Ghana miss out on Davis Cup promotion after defeat to Burundi

Ghana’s national tennis team, the Golden Rackets, saw their hopes of promotion to the Davis Cup Africa Group III dashed after a hard-fought semi-final defeat to Burundi on Friday, 14 June.

In a nail-biting promotion playoff at the Academia de Ténis Kikuxi Villas Club in Luanda, the Ghanaians put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 in a tense decider.

Near-flawless run ends in heartbreak

The Golden Rackets had entered the playoffs in strong form, topping Pool A with an impressive eight wins and just one loss.

Their opponents, Burundi, finished second in Pool B with seven victories and two defeats – both against pool winners Côte d’Ivoire.

Ghana, relegated to Africa Group IV last year, started brightly when Samuel Agbesi Osei Antwi staged a thrilling comeback against Burundi’s Allan Gatoto.

After dropping the first set 2-6, Osei Antwi roared back, taking the next two sets 6-3, 6-2 to give Ghana a 1-0 lead.

But Burundi hit back in the second singles match, as Guy Orly Iradukunda overpowered Ghana’s Isaac Nortey 6-1, 6-4, levelling the tie and setting up a winner-takes-all doubles decider.

Doubles defeat seals Ghana’s fate

With everything on the line, Ghana fielded Osei Antwi and Nortey against Burundi’s Iradukunda and Gatoto.

Despite a valiant effort, the Ghanaians were outplayed, losing 6-4, 6-3 as Burundi booked their place in the playoff final – and secured promotion.

The defeat means Ghana will remain in the Davis Cup Africa Group IV for another year, while Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire – who comfortably beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 in the other semi-final – will progress to Group III in 2025.

What’s next for the Golden Rackets?

Despite the setback, Ghana’s strong group-stage performance offers hope for the future.

The team will now regroup ahead of next year’s campaign, aiming to bounce back stronger and finally secure their return to the higher tier of African tennis.

For now, Burundi and Côte d’Ivoire celebrate – while Ghana reflects on what might have been.