The African athletics championship concluded on 5th August with Kenya topping the tally with 11 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. South Africa came second with 9 gold, 13 silver, and 8 bronze medals. The host, Nigeria finished third with 9 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
A Look at the Tournament
Now, the athletic championship had a lot in store for all sports fans. While we saw many try out Betway Kenya live sports betting at the event to win big, the event was a success when nit came to Nigerian and Kenyan athletes.
In the action-packed tournament, Kenyan athletes simply stole the limelight. the world-record holder, Beatrice chepkoech continued her gold-winning streak. The fresh teenager athlete Edward zakayo won his first senior title in 5000 m with gold. This 6-year-old champ has already shown his mark in the world youth 3000m with silver, Commonwealth 5000m with bronze and world junior 5000m with gold. It was really a fun-filled ecstatic moment as soon as he crossed the tape.
The Kenyan contingent was clearly overwhelmed to have a talented youth in their team. When asked about his future plans, he admitted that he is currently eyeing for the gold in the upcoming continental cup to be held in the Czech Republic. Julius yego, the Olympic silver medallist bounced back to win the gold for Kenya in the javelin throw.
He silenced his critics who were definitely unhappy with his recent performances. Yego competed alongside South Africa’s Philmar van Rensburg and Nigerian Kure Adams. His throw of 77.34 meters in the second round was the decisive one.
Asaba witnessed yet another historic event. The top two players from each event will be representing Africa at the intercontinental cup to be held in Ostrava on 8-9 September. With Kenya topping the chart, obviously, there will be the maximum number of Kenyan players.
This edition was not all smooth and glittery as it may seem. The organizers were not up to the mark. Asaba lacks any direct flights. So the teams, as well as tourists, had to take the air route till logos. Due to improper transportation arrangements, players were stuck at the Lagos airport. This led to the obviously delayed arrivals of the countries to the event. Even during the tournament, there were delays in announcements. Players complained of sub-standard facilities. Ethiopian flag was hoisted upside down. Kenya complained of unfair play in 800m men’s final as not all players were on the mark.
However, the Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa seemed happy with the arrangements. He pointed out that the country had a very short time pan to prepare for such a grand event. It was all tough, rushed and hard affair. But the overall arrangements were good and he seemed satisfied with the arrangements.
The next round of the tournament will be held in Algeria in 2020. E can only hope that the next organizers will draw lessons from the pros and cons of this tournament and try to address them in the upcoming event.