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Rio 2016 highlights: Van der Burgh bags #TeamAfrica's first medal

Rio 2016 highlights: Van der Burgh bags #TeamAfrica's first medal
Victor Muisyo with Agencies

Brazil

South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh bagged Africa’s first Olympic medal, although he lost the title to Briton Adam Peaty. This is so far the only significant highlight for the continent, as the runners warm up to hit the tracks.

And just like it was in the 2012 London Olympics, it was the South African swimmer who gave Africa her first medal. But the Olympic champion was this time, beaten to it by the Briton, who broke his own world record with a time of 57’‘13.

In basketball, the Senegalese had no chance against the United States. The West Africans were literally blown away by five-time Olympic champions USA (121-56).

In football, Nigeria made to the quarterfinals of the men’s competition after they pipped Sweden 1-0. It however the end of road for Algeria, who suffered their second defeat of the tournament, losing 2-1 to Argentina. South Africa still have a chance of getting through, despite their 1-0 defeat by Denmark on Sunday in Brasilia.

To make it to the quarters, the Bafana Bafana should at least beat Iraq who held hosts Brazil to a barren draw. Things hang in the balance for Neymar and his teammates, who risk being bundled out of the competition as they go up against a tricky Danish side.

In women’s rugby, Japan beat Kenya 24-0 in a group stage match, a result that saw the Kenyans finish Kenyan last in their group after this third defeat in as many games.

In men’s handball, Tunisia resisted but eventually cracked 23-25 before France, two-times defending champions. Ditto for Egypt; the African champions gave their Slovenian opponents a hard time, before losing the tie narrowly 27-26.

In volleyball the Egyptians were not any better against Poland. The Pharaohs, reigning African champions, were humiliated 3-0 by the world champions.

Monday also marked the breaking and setting of a record by US swimming ace Michael Phelps, as he dashed to win his 19th Olympic Gold Medal in the men’s 4×100 m freestyle relay.

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