Chelimo shines with silver as Uganda eyes more glory at ANOCA Games

Uganda's rising star Karen Chelimo claimed a hard-fought silver medal in the 3000m race at the ongoing ANOCA Schools Games in Annaba, Algeria, finishing just behind Kenya’s Lonah Cherono.

The 16-year-old Chelimo battled valiantly through the early laps, keeping pace with the eventual winner until the fourth lap, where Cherono began to pull ahead.

Chelimo made a bold attempt to close the gap in the fifth lap but couldn’t recover the distance.

Still, she crossed the line with an impressive personal best of 9:33.69, while Cherono clinched gold in 9:24.90. Rwanda’s Sand Niyomugenga secured bronze.

This marks Chelimo’s first international podium finish, having previously placed sixth at the African Athletics Youth Championships earlier this year. A Senior Three student at Sebei College, she was elated after securing Uganda’s second medal at the Games.

“When you lose, you learn a lesson and I learnt my lessons in Nigeria. So I’m happy,” Chelimo shared.

Uganda’s athletics contingent also featured Muhwezi Abraham, who placed 6th in the 100m semifinals, and Rasha Atuyambe, who took 6th in the 400m semifinal.

Later this evening, attention shifts to the 1500m final, where medal hopeful Kizito Loput will represent Uganda. Loput previously earned Uganda's sole bronze medal at the ISF Games in Serbia, and expectations are high.

Coach Justine Bayiga voiced confidence in his runner's ability to overcome Kenyan competition:

“Kizito’s a strong finisher. He’s nursing a bit of knee pain, but he’s tough. I expect him to finish well.”

On the football front, Buddo SS is set to clash with hosts Algeria in the semi-finals. Buddo placed second in Group A with 3 points following a narrow defeat to Ivory Coast, where they conceded a late penalty.

Coach Richard Malinga remains optimistic despite the setback:

“We missed a lot of chances and conceded a poor penalty. We’ve worked on those mistakes and expect a stronger performance this time.”

Selected Results
Athletics

100m Boys Semi Finals 
1. Kanyinda Mulunda (COD) 10.62
2. Akolo Emanuel (NGR) 10.93
6. Muhwezi Abraham (UGA) 11.78

400m Boys Semi Finals
1. Zebida Ayoub (ALG) 50.30
2. Dhuor Agoth Thon (SSD) 50.35
6. Rashad Atuyambe (UGA)

3000m Girls Finals
1. Cherono Lonah (KEN) 9.24.90
2. Chelimo Karen (UGA) 9:33:69
3. Niyomugenga Sand (RWA) 9.43.19

Today 
Athletics
1500m Boys, Loput Kizito

Football Semi Finals
Uganda vs Algeria, 11pm Stade 19 Mai 1956 Annaba.
Ivory Coast vs Sudan, 9pm Stade Hamlaoui Constantine.