Kenya’s Abraham Longosiwa earned Kenya the first medal on the opening day of the 22nd Africa Senior Athletics Championships at Cote d’Or National Sports Complex in Reduit, Mauritius yesterday.

For the men’s 10,000m, Longosiwa’s win was an improved performance for Kenya with the country having failed to get a medal in the men’s 10,000m during the 2018 edition in Asaba, Nigeria.

Vincent Rono and Isaac Kipsang finished fourth and fifth respectively in the race that was won by Ethiopia’s Abraham Mogos in 29:19.02

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinard Omanyala reached the finals after blistering through the heat of the semifinals of the 100m race.

Omanyala said, “Besides my African record I want a title to accompany it. The good thing is my body has responded well in the first two races. I want to give my all in the final heat on Thursday.”

Opening heat

Earlier yesterday, the Kenyan champion had chucked the fastest time of 10.05 beating Nigerian Raymond Kevwo to second place in 10.11 in the opening heat.

Compatriot Samuel Imeta finished second behind defending champion Akani Simbine from South Africa as both qualified from the fifth heat. 

Imeta clocked 10.34 against Simbine’s 10.14 but was disqualified from the finals after finishing third in a slower semifinal in a time of 10.27. 

“I am not concerned about the time as much. Being a championship, it is all about victory. However, that does not mean I don’t want to give a good show,” added Omanyala who is out for a hat-trick of titles in 100m, 200m and 4x100m races.

Omanyala knows no Kenyan man has ever won a medal in 100m at the continental event, a page he intends to turn.

Omanyala who had stunned former African record holder Simbine to win the ASA Athletics Grand Prix 4 at Germiston Stadium, Johannesburg in 9.98 on April 13 will have the South African to battle out with in the 3.10pm Kenyan time final.

Meanwhile, national champions Collins Omae and William Rayian reached the semis of the men’s 400m.

The duo has vowed to end the long wait for a medal in the event, as Kenya have never won the men’s 400m title since 1993.

“We have destiny in our hands and therefore we have every obligation to fight for silverware,” said Rayian.