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Jackline Chepkoech during the 3000m race at the Africa Youth Games. [PHOTO: Jack Owuor/PIC-CENTRE] |
World Youth 2,000m steeplechase Champion Rosefline Chepngetich and Anthony Kiptoo wrapped up Kenya’s medal haunt with victory in their specialities as the curtains came down on the second Africa Youth Games in Gaborone, Bostwana on Saturday.
The duo brilliant finish ensured that the national junior side finished sixth overall after amassing a total 25 medals, seven gold, 11 silver and seven bronze. This was an improvement from last championships held in Morocco four years ago where Kenya had six gold.
Chepngetich showcased her prowess in the track to overcome very stiff challenge from continental opponents cutting the tape in a 6:24.59 minutes.
Ethiopian Mamo Teklemareyam came second timed at 6:24.59 with the bronze medal going to Nadia El Hakouni from Morocco who was timed at 6:56.09.
Easy win
Kiptoo had a walk in the park facing little challenge to bag gold in boy’s 800m after finishing first in a time of 1:52.07. Gorata Gabanktetse, running on homesoil, gave a splendid show to take silver for Bostwana in a time of 1:52.52, with Zambia’s Godfrey Chama winning the bronze in 1:53.09.
Kenyan Wilfred Mbithe lost out to Ethiopian Tesfaye Alemu (4:24.94) in the final straight clocking 4:26.81 to take silver in the 1,500m as Zimbabwe’s Joy Mudyiravanji picked bronze finishing in 4:33.91.
Maureen Nyatichi won the 200m girls silver in 24. 20 behind Nigerian Idamadudu Praise.
In netball, Kenya lost out to Uganda 40-24 in the finals on Friday. It was a crunch game as Kenya had seen off the Ugandans 35-32 on Wednesday after thrashing Swaziland 88-15, drawing 39-39 against Zimbabwe and beating Botswana side 40- 39. But the slim 32-33 defeat to Namibia meant they had to face Uganda in the decider.