Host country Kenya bidding to secure medals in the sprints was boosted as it entered two athletes in the men 400m finals on the second day of the Africa Athletics Championships here on Thursday.

Anderson Mureta will have to take his sprint a gear up against Africa's champion Gary Kakaya who won in the third semifinal.

Mureta Mutegi finished second in the fourth heat in a time of 46.72 behind African record holder, Gary Kikaya of Democratic Republic of Congo (46.52).

Libya's Mohammed Khawaja won the second heat with a time of 45. 42 with Mark Kiprotich Mutai coming in second by clocking 45.69 with Nigeria's Obakeng Ngwigwa finishing third.

Kenya's Geoffrey Ngeno was eliminated in the 400m first semifinal by finishing in fifth spot by returning 46.45 to miss out.

The first semifinal was won by Sudan's Rabah Yusif with a time of 48.82 ahead of Ethiopia's Bereke Gebresadik Desta by clocking 45.97 as Nigeria's Saul Weigopwa was third timing 46.21.

In the women's 400m race, the first semifinal was won by Senegal's Thiam Amy Mbacke who clocked 52.48 as compatriot Seck Fatou Ndeye Soumah was second by timing 52.53 with Estic Witthstock of South Africa finishing third with a time of 52.95.

In the second semifinal, Amantle Montsho of Botswana won by clocking 50.39 beating Nigeria's Shade Abugan to second place with a time of 52.28 with Zambia's Rachel Nashula clocking 52.28.

Meanwhile, Nigerians had every reason to smile after they bagged two gold medals in a span of five minutes and a championship record to boot.

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