The regionally anticipated The African Games, the crown event of the continent, is back to the screens after five-year lay-off. The athletics programme started in the morning of 18th March in Accra’s University of Ghana Stadium which is renovated for the Games. In the opening day, South Africa and Ethiopia share the gold medal honours.
Victor Hogan has secured first title for South Africa in the men’s discus at the African Games. The two-metres giant from Vredenburg recorded 62.56 in his last attempt and handed just second Games medal in his 15-year-long international career. Ironically, his only contest at the Games was in Maputo 2011 where he threw 62.60 metres to only enough to get silver. Following by Hogan, the Algerian Oussama Khennoussi and Namibian Ryan William have brought first ever discus medal for their respective countries.
In the men’s steeplechase, two rivalling nations Ethiopia and Kenya have dominated the scene with the covering top six spots. World U20 medallist Samuel Firewu commanded the victory with an easy finish after a 58-seconds closing lap to clocked 8:24.30. Firewu became just second Ethiopian to steal steeplechase gold from the Kenyans at the Games.
BASS & ESEME EASED THROUGH
Gambian star Gina Bass-Bittaye easily booked her place in the 100 metres final on Tuesday evening. She qualified as a fastest runner in the semis by clocking 11.37 with head wind as Nigerian 21-year-old Olayinka Olajide also through to the final. The Nigerian hopeful lowered her 100m personal best to 11.19 just one month ago in Asaba.
In the absence of World silver medallist Letsile Tebogo, the sprint powerhouses Nigeria and Ghana sent two athletes to the men’s 100 metres final. Cameroonian record holder Emmanuel Eseme clocked best mark in the semis (10.23) by leading the list followed by Nigerians. All the eight finalists has clocked under 10.5 despite some breezes from their faces.
Fresh World Indoor winner Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia has reached 800 metres final by winning third heat in 2:02.08 as former World champion Halimah Nakaayi also through. Last year’s African U20 champion Eritrean Garza Fithawi Zaid clocked 1:45.90 national record in the men’s 800 metres to reached semis.
ETHIOPIAN TRIPLE
The opening day account was closed in the 5000 metres final that totally dominated by Ethiopians. 2005 born Medina Eisa kicked in the final lap for outclassed teammates to established third fastest time ever at the Games with 15:04.32. Birtukan Molla and Melknat Wudu have joined her at the finish to complete clean sweep for the East African nation. It became seventh podium sweep for Ethiopia at the Games past, first in the 5000 metres.
