David GOMBE
Two Ugandan boxers had their Paris 2024 Olympic dream come to an end at the ongoing Qualification tournament in Dakar, Senegal.
Jonah Kyobe and Grace Nankinga bowed out at the round of 32 of the Qualification phase.
Kyobe suffered a 5-0 defeat to Mozambique’s Rogoberto Armando in the men’s 51Kg bout.
Nankinga also bowed out after losing 5-0 to Tanzania’s Yusuf Zulfa Macho in the Women’s 50Kg round of 32.
Meanwhile, Isaac Zebra Ssenyange cruised to the next round after Deng Malou of South Sudan failed to show up for the men’s 51Kg round of 32 bout.
Ssenyange will return to action on Sunday against South Africa’s Bongco Simnikiwe in the round of 16 contest.
Bombers captain Joshua Tukamuhebwa will also be in action against Gebremariam Abraham Alem from Ethiopia in the Men’s 63.5Kg bout.
Shadir Musa will battle Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi in the Men’s 80Kg bout on Sunday.
The Boxing Road to Paris Africa Qualification Tournament in Senegal attracted over 235 athletes from 42 nations.
The event is a pivotal moment for boxers from across the continent who are vying for the 18 Paris 2024 quota places, with 11 spots available for women and 7 for men.
