Andiego and Mogunde reach Africa boxing finals, Ochieng and Okaka win bronze

Liz Andiego and Boniface Mogunde have advanced to the finals of the Africa Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, DR Congo, leading Kenya's medal prospects. Their performances mark a significant improvement from last year’s championships in Yaounde, where none of Kenya's semi-finalists reached the finals.

Andiego, the reigning Mandela Cup middleweight champion, outsmarted DRC's Marie-Joelle Mwika in their light-heavyweight semifinal bout. Demonstrating her tactical prowess, Andiego maintained a safe scoring range while sidestepping Mwika's power moves.

“I've known her game for a long time; she uses a lot of strength. So, I was tactful to score and move, keeping my scoring range and sidestepping when she came charging at me,” said Andiego. She will face Morocco’s Hasna Larti, who received a bye to the final.

Mogunde, on the other hand, defeated Morocco's Abidine Amroug in a thrilling light-middleweight semi-final. Despite being knocked down in the second round, Amroug lost by split decision. Mogunde’s victory has set up an all-East African final against Burundi's Nestor Nduwarugira. The bout marks a rematch, as Mogunde previously defeated Nduwarugira at the Zone 3 tournament in Kinshasa two years ago.

“I’m excited to be in the final of the Africa Championships for the first time, God above everything,” Mogunde expressed, surrounded by jubilant teammates and Kenyan Embassy staff.

While Andiego and Mogunde's wins brought joy, Kenya's Vincent Ochieng and Robert Okaka had to settle for bronze. Ochieng's semi-final match against South Africa's John Paul Masamba was cut short after a head clash caused a deep cut above his left eye, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Although Masamba seemed to have the upper hand before the injury, Ochieng’s performance was commendable.

Okaka, in his bout against Namibia's Gebhard Ipinge, pursued a knockout strategy, but Ipinge’s disciplined approach led to a points victory. Despite the loss, Okaka's effort and determination were evident throughout the match.

The finals promise more action as Kenya's Clinton Macharia also aims for a medal, joining Andiego and Mogunde in the title fights. Macharia's advancement to the final makes him one of three Kenyan boxers to reach this stage, a marked improvement for the nation at this year’s championships.

In other notable matchups, Namibia's Tryagain Ndevelo is on the brink of gold in the featherweight division. Ndevelo’s clever switch from orthodox to southpaw during his warm-up fooled Morocco's bantamweight gold medallist Imad Azoui, earning him a victory. He will face Zambia's African Games silver medallist Mwengo Mwale, who defeated Kenya’s Shaffi Bakari in the semis.

Meanwhile, defending champions Morocco continue to dominate the tournament, leading with 15 finalists, while hosts DR Congo follow with 13. The semi-final sessions at the Stade des Martyrs saw Morocco solidifying their position with four wins in the first session.