Western Wayne Today

Two Wayne State University fencers participated in the Junior & Cadet African Zonal Championships at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. Men's fencer Zeyad Nofal and women's fencer Salma Abdrabou represented their university and country in this competition.

Salma Abdrabou, a freshman, excelled in the Junior Women's Epee event on March 5. She achieved a 4-1 record in pool play with a +15 touch differential. Her performance earned her the fifth seed for direct elimination. Abdrabou advanced through the rounds, defeating Sideweho Laure Akoussan of Togo and Hadjer Laalmi of Algeria before facing Eya Rouatbi of Tunisia in the semifinals, where she won 15-6. In the final match against Farah Mahfouz of Egypt, Abdrabou secured a 15-11 victory to win the Gold Medal. She finished first out of 22 competitors with an overall record of 8-1.

Zeyad Nofal competed in the Junior Men's Sabre on March 4. He went undefeated in pool play with a 6-0 record and a +21 touch differential, earning him the top seed for direct elimination. After receiving a bye in the Round of 16, Nofal defeated Inkosi Brou of Niger but lost to Nigeria's Evann Jean Abba Girault in the semifinals, finishing tied-for-third with an overall record of 7-1. Ahmed Hesham from Egypt won the Gold Medal among 13 participants.

Both athletes also took part in team competitions on March 6, representing Egypt. Abdrabou contributed to Egypt's victory over South Africa in the semifinals by adding 15 points to her team's score. Although she did not compete in the finals against Algeria, Egypt emerged victorious with a score of 45-23.

Nofal was part of Team Egypt along with Algeria and Senegal as competitors. After receiving a bye to the finals, Team Egypt defeated Algeria decisively with a score of 45-18. Nofal added another 15 points to his team's tally during this match.