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African Games: Angella Okutoyi seizes tennis gold after 46-Year drought

Angella Okutoyi in action at the African Games © Angella Okutoyi on X

By Rama Mohammed | Thursday, March 21, 2024

This triumph not only marks Okutoyi as the new African Games champion but also ends Kenya's 46-year wait for a tennis singles medal, with Okutoyi becoming the second player since Jane Davies-Doxzon to claim gold.

Kenyan tennis sensation Angella Okutoyi has made history at the African Games by clinching gold in a thrilling final match against Egyptian competitor Lamis Elhussein Abdelaziz.

The match, held at the TC Tennis Complex in Accra, Ghana, saw Okutoyi dominate with a confident performance, winning 6-4, 6-2.

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This victory not only crowns Okutoyi as the new African Games champion but also breaks Kenya's 46-year spell without a tennis singles medal. She joins the ranks of Jane Davies-Doxzon, the last Kenyan player to achieve this feat back in the 1978 games.

Angella Okutoyi has done it!🔥

She wins the Gold medal in the All-African Games after beating Egypt’s Lamis Elhussein 6-4, 6-2 in the Women’s Singles Final💥

Okutoyi,who is ranked at 532 (set to change)now just needs to be in the top 400 by 10 June to qualify for the Olympics🤩 pic.twitter.com/UT5TxZA6Nz
— Ochieng' Stephen (@soo_ochieng) March 21, 2024

Okutoyi's journey to the gold was not without its challenges. In the semifinals, she faced a grueling battle against world number 62 Mayar Sherif, enduring a marathon match that lasted four hours and 27 minutes. However, she powered through and carried that momentum into the final, where she displayed exceptional skill and determination.

With this win, Okutoyi is now eyeing a spot in the upcoming Olympic Games. To qualify, she'll need to improve her ranking from 532nd to within the top 400 positions by the designated deadline. Her victory at the African Games not only boosts her chances but also serves as a testament to her talent and hard work.

We've waited 46 Years to say....
WE ARE THE TENNIS SINGLES AFRICA CHAMPIONSSSSSS.
EAT THAT! 🎾👌😍 pic.twitter.com/vgCpEjDYfb
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) March 21, 2024

Okutoyi is set to compete in the women’s doubles finals alongside her partner Cynthia Cheruto. They'll face off against the Egyptian duo of Sandra Sameh Samir and Merna Mostafa Refaat, as Okutoyi aims to further solidify her place in the annals of African tennis history.