Host country Kenya had its fans on their feet as they applauded the victory of Vivian Cheruiyot in the women's 5,000m race on the second day of the Africa Athletics Championship in Nairobi.

Having been routed in the 10,000m men race on the opening day, Ethiopians athletes were on a mission to claim some respect to their perennial rivals and World Indoor Champion Meseret Defar was set to taste her host's resilience and it went to the wire before she lost it out to Cheruiyot, the world champion.

It was the second loss for Defar at the big stage to Cheruiyot, after Berlin World Championship in August 2009.

She made it 1-1 in Doha in March to claim the 3,000m gold at the World Indoor Championship, but could not find the final strength to deny Cheruiyot making history at home.

Cheruiyot, who was making her debut in the continental premier track and field championship, was at the main center of focus as the race started and she showed a true warrior spirit talking the battle to the Ethiopians in what was a low paced race.

"I know the Ethiopians have been beating us on the final sprint. I took it upon myself to train in my kick and I was certain I had the strength to do so. So when I approached the bell, I was certain I could beat anyone," said Cheruiyot.

The Kenyan, running before her over 26,000 fans waited until the final lap before she could pounce and test the resilience of the Ethiopians.

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