Mogunde leads Kenyan trio to African Boxing Champs final in Kinshasa

In a dramatic light-middleweight semi-final, Amroug managed to survive a second-round knockdown, but Mogunde punched to victory through a split points decision.

The victory sets up an exciting final bout against Burundi’s Nestor Nduwarugira in an all-East African final.

This will be the second time Mogunde faces Nduwarugira, having previously defeated the Burundian boxer during the Zone 3 tournament held in Kinshasa two years ago.

Reflecting on his achievement, Mogunde expressed his excitement and gratitude, saying, "I’m excited to be in the final of the Africa Championships for the first time, God above everything."

His celebration was shared by his ecstatic teammates and the staff from Kenya’s Embassy in Kinshasa, who cheered on his victory.

Also advancing to the final was Elizabeth Andiengo and Clinton Macharoa, making a total of three Kenyan finalists out of the eight who participated in the semi-finals.

This marks a significant improvement from last year’s Africa Championships in Yaoundé, where all seven Kenyan semi-finalists were eliminated before the finals.

In other Kenyan results, Vincent Ochieng and Robert Okaka will be returning home with bronze medals after losing their semi-final matches.

Ochieng’s bout against South Africa's John Paul Masamba was cut short when he suffered a deep cut above his left eye, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Okaka, on the other hand, struggled against Namibia’s Gebhard Ipinge, whose superior points accumulation outpaced Okaka's attempts to land a knockout punch.

Elizabeth Andiego continued her impressive run by defeating DRC’s Marie-Joelle Mwika in a tactical light-heavyweight bout.

Andiego, the reigning Mandela Cup middleweight champion, revealed her game plan, saying, “I’ve known her game for a long time.

She uses a lot of strength, so I was tactful, keeping my scoring range and sidestepping her charges.”

Andiego will now face Morocco’s Hasna Larti, who advanced to the finals by way of a bye.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s bantamweight, Amina Martha, was disappointed after losing a split decision to DR Congo’s Merveille Bisambu, a result that did not sit well with her or the Kenyan coaching staff.