DRC DEFEND AFBC ZONE 3 TITLE AS KENYA'S HIT SQUAD CLAIMS FIVE GOLDS ON HOME SOIL

Nairobi – The Democratic Republic of Congo successfully retained their AFBC Zone 3 Boxing Championship crown with a dominant display in Nairobi, securing 12 gold medals to top the final standings at the regional tournament.

Kenya's "Hit Squad" put on a spirited performance for the home fans, finishing joint-second alongside Uganda with five golds apiece in what proved to be a fiercely contested championship showcasing East Africa's finest boxing talent.

Kenyan Women Deliver Emotional Victories

The host nation's gold rush was spearheaded by their women's contingent, with Veronica Mbithe opening Kenya's account in dramatic fashion. The flyweight fighter edged Uganda's Brenda via a narrow 3-2 split decision, later revealing her tactical preparation had proved decisive.

"I knew my opponent was attacking, so I was ready to be offensive and on counter," Mbithe said. "I did not want to fail the team on the first gold."

Amina Martha produced the performance of the tournament in the women's bantamweight division, demolishing Tanzania's Zulfa with a first-round stoppage after the referee intervened following three counts. The aggressive Kenyan was surprised by her clinical efficiency.

"I didn't expect to win on Round 1," Martha admitted. "I just went with my game straight, but I knew I was going to win."

However, heartbreak followed for Kenya's most decorated boxer, Elizabeth Andiego. The middleweight captain and East Africa's first female Olympian (London 2012) lost a tight 3-2 split decision to DRC's Lulua, failing in her bid to defend her Zone 3 title. Lorna Kusa also suffered a comprehensive 5-0 unanimous defeat to DRC's Malewu in the light middleweight final.

Mogunde Claims Maiden Regional Gold

National team captain Boniface Mogunde delivered Kenya's marquee moment in the men's division, overwhelming compatriot Alvin Oduor 5-0 in an all-Kenyan light middleweight final. The victory secured Mogunde his first regional gold after previous silver and bronze finishes, his experience proving too much for the talented debutant.

Situs Onyango provided another explosive moment for the home crowd, stopping DRC's TSimba in the opening round via referee stoppage to claim Kenya's second male gold.

The results were less favorable in the heavier divisions. Heavyweight Peter Abuti fell agonizingly short against Uganda's Aziz in a 3-2 split decision, while cruiserweight Chris Ochanda lost 4-1 to DRC's Matter.

The evening's final bout produced a major upset as Cameroon's Mvongo stunned DRC's Emo with a comprehensive 5-0 unanimous decision in the super heavyweight division, securing Cameroon's second gold of the tournament.

Final Medal Standings

1. Democratic Republic of Congo – 12 gold
2. Kenya – 5 gold
3. Uganda – 5 gold
4. Cameroon – 2 gold
5. Tanzania – 1 gold

The DRC's dominance across both men's and women's divisions, particularly in the middle and heavyweight categories, proved insurmountable as they successfully defended their regional crown.

For Kenya, the performance offers encouragement ahead of future continental and global competitions. Coach Benjamin Musa's blend of established Olympians and emerging talents suggests the Hit Squad remains on an upward trajectory as they build toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Hosting the championship for the first time in two decades served as a powerful reminder of Kenya's rich boxing heritage and cemented Nairobi's status as a key hub for African sports development.