This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
Kenyan boxer Shaffi Hassan Bakari has made history by winning the silver medal at the African Games in Rabat, Morocco.
On Thursday, August 29, 2019, Bakari lost to Rajab Otukile of Botswana in the men's flyweight (52kg) finals held at the Salle Al Amal arena.
Bakari had qualified for the finals after edging out Ethiopia's Dawit Bekele 4-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
However, the Kenyan struggled with the Botswana's towering physique and sustained a minor injury during the bout.
"I thank God for the silver medal. It has not been an easy fight especially when I injured my left hand at the quarters but I will move on and prepare for the upcoming competitions," Bakari said in a post-match interview.
Bakari's sentiments were echoed by his 'Hit Squad' coach Benjamin Musa, who praised the boxer and the team for their performance at the continental championships.
"Bakari would have done much better were it not for the injury but we leave with our heads held high and resume our preparations for the Olympic Qualifiers," Musa said.
