Botswana sprint star Lee Eppie produced a sensational performance to capture the men’s 400m gold medal on an action-packed third day of the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
The 26-year-old continued Botswana’s growing dominance in sprinting by clocking 44.66 seconds to win his maiden African title, headlining another dramatic evening at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Lee Eppie Delivers Statement Victory
Eppie entered the final as the favourite after his outstanding performances at the recent World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, where Botswana won gold in the men’s 4x400m relay.
In the African Championships final, Zimbabwe’s Dennis Hove exploded out of the blocks early, but Eppie remained composed before unleashing a powerful finish on the home straight to secure victory. Hove settled for silver in 44.92, while fellow Zimbabwean Zuze Leeford claimed bronze in 45.03.
The triumph marked another milestone in Eppie’s rapidly rising career after helping Botswana claim relay gold earlier this month alongside Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi.
Ghana Finally Opens Medal Account
Host nation Ghana enjoyed an emotional breakthrough on Day 3 as home athletes finally entered the medal tally in front of passionate local supporters.
Florence Agyemang won Ghana’s first medal of the championships by securing bronze in the women’s 400m with a timing of 51.87 seconds. Ethiopia’s Ahmed Aliy captured gold in 51.54, while Botswana’s Obakeng Kamberuka finished second.
The celebrations continued when Ghanaian middle-distance runner Alex Amankwah clinched bronze in the men’s 800m after a strong late surge. Kenya’s Kimtai Loti won gold, with Morocco’s Imad Bouchajda taking silver.
African Sprinting Continues To Rise
The championships once again highlighted Africa’s growing sprinting depth, especially in the men’s 400m and relay events.
Botswana has rapidly emerged as a global sprint powerhouse in recent years, led by stars such as Letsile Tebogo and a new generation of elite quarter-milers including Eppie and Kebinatshipi.
Athletics fans on Reddit and social media also praised Botswana’s rising sprint culture, with many calling the country one of the most exciting forces in world track and field ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics cycle.
More Drama Expected In Accra
The African Athletics Championships continue through the weekend with several major finals still to come, including relay events, distance races and field competitions.
With powerhouse nations like Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia battling for continental supremacy, the competition has already delivered historic performances and dramatic finishes in Accra.
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