Wrestler Mahabila assures Kenya of third medal in Hammamet

Wrestler Mathayo Mahabila has assured Team Kenya of a third medal at the Africa Beach Games in Hammamet, Tunisia.

If he wins the medal, Kenya will match the haul in Sal, Cape Verde, during the last games in 2019.

Mahabila, an athlete under the Olympic Scholarship ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, proceeded to the final of the 80 kg men's division after edging out Tunisia’s Khaireddine Ben Tlili 3-1 in the semi-final on Thursday morning.

The Kenya international finished top of his pool, beating James Holder of South Africa and Angola’s Francisco Kadima.

The Kenyan will now face off against Senegalese Ngor Niakhe in the final.

“I am delighted and thankful for the far I have reached despite facing the top eight wrestlers in the continent. I want to thank my sparring partner and coaches for helping me get where I am.

“I believed in myself and wanted to fight for a medal,” said Mahabila.

Following his success in the previous fights, Mahabila has now set his eyes on becoming the first Kenyan to win gold in the beach games.

He says going for the gold is positive pressure for him as he prepares to face the Senegalese whom he describes as a tough opponent.

“There is some pressure because it will be painful for us to go home without gold. Everyone from my wife to family, friends and coaches is pushing. It is a must for me to give an effort and win,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the women’s 50kg Category, Emma Nekesa will battle for bronze after losing her semi-final to Nahamie Sambou of Senegal.

Men and women’s basketball in quarter-final action

In basketball, the women’s team secured a second-place finish in their pool after seeing off Benin 14-6. Mary Lisa Omondi starred for Kenya in the game, securing seven points against the Beninese.

Their victory was a bounce back from Wednesday's evening defeat to Mali. 

They will now take on East African neighbours Uganda in the quarter-final on Thursday evening as they look to move closer to the medal bracket.

 “We are delighted to have won this game. Today, we decided to shoot more because that is what we lacked on the first day. The change in approach paid off, and we have now picked up confidence. We had a bad start, and this was a good win for us,” said Omondi.

“We will battle to win against Uganda as we target gold,” she added.

After a slow start, Benin was the first to get points on the board, but Lisa levelled with a shot beyond the arch before adding more with a basket and a foul.

As the ladies prepare to face Uganda, the men’s team, who lost both their opening matches, are preparing to take on neighbours Rwanda in the quarter-finals.

Tennis Doubles Team off to a winning start

Elsewhere, the tennis doubles team has started their campaign with impressive victories. The dynamic duo of Faith Urasa and Shufaa Ruwa Changawa, alongside the powerful partnership of Fazal Mohammed and Kazungu Kesi, are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for success.