Amina Martha has made history as the second Kenyan female boxer to qualify for the semifinals of the Africa Boxing Championships in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
She secured her spot after defeating South African boxer Sibisi Lethokuhle in an impressive fight in the elite women’s 52-54 kg bantamweight category. Martha joins Elizabeth Andiego, who received a bye to the semifinals.
Team Kenya had a mixed performance on the second day of the competition, winning three bouts and losing four.
Shaffi Bakari and Samuel Njau emerged as winners in their fights against Frontin Kewel of Mauritius and Tchouta Mbianda Ignas Aristide of Cameroon, respectively, qualifying for the quarterfinals. However, Teresia Wanjiru lost to Jeanine Mbala Amboki of Cameroon in the light welterweight quarterfinal.
On the men’s side, Abednego Kyalo lost to Zola Livens Tulembekwa of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on split points, while Ethan Maina suffered a loss in his light welterweight pre-quarterfinal bout against Amiri Wasswa of Uganda.
Despite a valiant effort, Fredrick Ramogi Otieno also fell short in the quarterfinal 92kg super heavyweight bout against Algerian Mourad Kadi.
Looking ahead, Christine Ongare, Antony Maina, and Boniface Mogunde are expected to enter the ring during session one, while Peter Abuti and Robert Okaka will participate in session two.
The Kenyan camp remains hopeful for better results in the upcoming matches, with athletes determined to represent their country and strive for victory in the championship
