Aziz and Anim fail to grab medals at All Africa Games

Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 13, GNA - Ghana's medal hopefuls, Aziz Zakari and Vida Anim failed to win medals in the 100 meters finals of the Athletics event at the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique on Monday at the Zimpeto National Stadium.

Zakari, who made entry into the finals with an appreciable time of 10.20secs, finished the race at the seventh position as he only managed 10.49seconds to end his dreams and that of Ghana in making another medal in the race.

The race was virtually won by Amarl Ibrahim of Egypt, with Nigeria's Eguero Ogho-Oghene and Obinna Metu finishing in second and third places in 10.28secs and 10.29secs respectively.

In the women's finals, Nigeria's Damola Osayomi clocked 10.90secs to beat compatriots Blessing Okagbare and Gloria Asumo to second and third places as they ran 11.01secs and 11.26secs respectively.

Vida Anim who picked gold medal in the same event four years ago in Algeria could only manage a fourth place.

The results comes as a major disappointment to the officials and contingent of the Team Ghana as the two athletes were the nations' best bets for medals in the competition.

Aziz who was reported to be preparing to end his career has meanwhile refuted that he was going to retire after the 2010 All Africa Games, saying he has still more years ahead to compete.

He said retirement will be only part of his plans after the London 2012 Olympics Games.

With Ghana's hope dashed in the 100 meters events, the country will be seeking to make amends in the relays and field events in the last two days of the athletics competition.

GNA (William D. Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Maputo, Mozambique, courtesy, National Sports Authority)