The 18th Africa Senior Athletics Championships finally came to an end yesterday at the Charles de Gaulle stadium, Porto Novo in Benin.
With several athletes on the 12-man Ugandan contingent faltering, many hoped Annet Negesa would finish the mission at the podium.
Negesa, the Maputo All Africa gold medallist finished sixth in the finals of the 800m.
The national record holder
ran 2:02.84 to the finish line. But the most eye catching was Burundian teenager Francine Niyonsaba.
The 16-year old who led from gun to tape in a time of 1:59.11, confirming an Olympic slot in the London games, just a few days away.
Niyonsaba left the crowds charmed and up in arms.
The feat means Negesa will have hurdles to negotiate at the London games knowing that South Africa Caster Semenya, Kenya vice captain Pamela Jelimo will be in the fray.