Angela Okutoyi secured a remarkable victory over Egyptian Abdelaziz Lamiz with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 triumph on Thursday, clinching the tennis title at the African Games held in Accra, Ghana.
This victory etches Okutoyi’s name in history as the first Kenyan to claim gold in this category since the 1978 Games in Algiers, Algeria. Back then, it was Jane Davies who triumphed over Susan Wakhungu in an all-Kenyan final.
From the onset, Okutoyi, demonstrated her dominance, firing off a series of winners to swiftly establish a 3-0 lead. However, Lamiz put up a fierce resistance, breaking Okutoyi’s serve in the fourth and fifth games to narrow the gap to 3-2.
Despite Lamiz’s efforts, Okutoyi’s formidable service game and agility allowed her to regain control, pushing her ahead to a 4-2 lead. Yet, Lamiz rallied back, leveling the score at 4-4 in an intense first set.
Undeterred, the 20-year-old Okutoyi showcased her resilience and mental strength, clinching the final two games of the set.
Heading into the second set, a deflated Lamiz struggled to match Okutoyi’s prowess. The Kenyan player, fueled by the momentum gained from the first set, unleashed punishing groundstrokes and displayed remarkable agility, swiftly racing to victory.
