African Athl. Champs: Ghana's 4x100m relay team sets new record

Ghana’s 4x100m relay team ran the fastest time by a Ghanaian team at an African Athletics Championship since 1998 after winning a silver medal in a time of 39.28s at the ongoing Confederation of African Athletics Championship in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday.

The relatively inexperienced team, which was made up of three debutants, including a 400m runner, gave Nigeria a run for their money before claiming silver in a pulsating race.

400m runner Daniel Gyasi gave Ghana a good start before Solomon Afful ran a brilliant back straight, handing over to Emmanuel Dasor who ran a splendid curve to pass the baton on to Tim Abeyie. But a strong finish by Nigeria's Mark Jelks denied Team Ghana the ultimate prize.

Nigeria won the very competitive event in a time of 38.80, followed by Ghana in 39.28 while Algeria clinched third place in 39.89.

Ghana has participated in nine editions of the African Championships since 1998 and the 4x100m quartet wrote their names into the history books as one of the best teams with their splendid display.

The quartet of Daniel Gyasi, Solomon Afful, Emmanuel Dasor and Tim Abeyie eclipsed the previous performance by the national relay team at the last African Athletics Championship in Benin, where Ghana ran 39.40 to win a bronze medal.

Tim Abeyie, the only surviving member of that last 4x100m relay team of 2012, commented about the team’s performance.

“Good. It’s better than the last time in Benin when we came third and the time is an improvement over the time in Benin.

The German based sprinter added that his performance in Morocco is better than the last Championship in Benin saying, “It’s better than Benin. I made the final in the 100m and now we have silver in the relay. It’s good.”

Sprinter Emmanuel Dasor, who was making his debut appearance on the senior relay team could not hide his joy. “It is very good. This is my second time, running for my national team. I’m so grateful and happy. I thank almighty God for this.”

400m runner Daniel Gyasi added, “I’m very surprised because this is my first time running in the 4x100m relay team.”

Solomon Afful expressed his joy at winning his first senior medal, “It is a great honour to run for the nation. This is my second time running for the national team. I think we did marvelously well. It is good.”