Kenya win Ongare appeal at Zone Three tournament

Northern Ireland's Carly McNaul (left) and Kenya's Christine Ongare in a past fight [AFP]

Commonwealth Games flyweight bronze medallist Christine Ongare is through to the finals of the ongoing Africa Zone Three Championships in Kinshasa.

Ongare booked the slot after a successful appeal against Gisele Nyembo of Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday.

Head coach Musa Benjamin and his deputy David Munuhe had filed a counter-appeal against the win by Nyembo claiming the referees and judges were biased in officiating the bout on Wednesday. 

And yesterday, Boxing Federation of Kenya Communications Director Duncan Kuria confirmed the new development.

“We had a successful appeal on biased officiating against Ongare (Christine) and we are now happy it was successful and we look forward to fair officiating in all other bouts,” Kuria told Standard Sports from Kinshasa.

Benjamin complained of malpractices in its organisation pointing out the daily draws being conducted every 24 hours.

“The hosts (DRC) are coming up with new boxers every time and then against rules that require fixtures and draws be conducted on the first day of the tournament. This will have to be reported to the world governing boxing body, AIBA so that it is not repeated in future tournaments,” said Benjamin.

The tournament, which has attracted seven African countries is being used to shape up for a number of international championships in World Women Boxing Championships and Commonwealth Games later in the year.

As Ongare strode into the finals, Olympians Nick Okoth and Elly Ajowi revived Kenya’s hopes in the continental tourney after a mixed start in the opening day.

The duo received walkovers after their opponents from the hosting country failed to turn up at the match venue.

Okoth who plies in the lightweight was awarded a walkover against Ngollo Kasai of DRC while Ajowi who is the reigning super heavyweight champion did so against Rochelvy Beme.