Akena lays down marker as All-Africa Golf Championship starts

Uganda’s Joseph Reagan Akena shot an impressive opening round four-under 68 to take a joint one-stroke lead alongside Egypt's Issa Amr Abou Elela as the All-Africa Golf Team Championship kicked off at the Bulawayo Golf Club on Tuesday.

The 2024 Uganda Open champion notched two eagles and four birdies, setting the pace for his teammates and the rest of the field in this prestigious annual event.

Despite bogeys on the par-4 holes 1, 8, 16, and the par-3 hole 15, the Lugazi Hills Golf and Country Club product made history by becoming the first Ugandan to take a day-one lead at the championship. His performance indicated he could help Uganda finish in a respectable position if he maintains his scores.

Akena, along with team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai, who finished the day with a one-under 71, were the standout performers for Uganda. Elton Thembo, making his debut at this level, returned a 78, while Ibrahim Ssemakula carded a non-scoring 79. Akena's day-one performance goes down in the history books of the event, which has attracted 64 players representing 11 countries.

Akena was one of nine players who, alongside Cwinya-ai, managed to play under par in the opening round. However, their efforts placed Uganda in third position in the team scores after the first round. The best three scores count for every team per round.

Team scores after opening round (Best 3 scores)

Top five

South Africa 209

Zambia 214

Uganda 217

Zimbabwe 220

Egypt 222