Kipyegon, Ababu watch as Kenya down Bostwana in Billie Jean Cup

Alicia Owegi

Kenya's Alicia Owegi plays a forehand shot against Morocco's Aya El Aouni during their Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III match on June 12, 2023 at Nairobi Club.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Kenya outclassed top seeds Morocco 2-1 on Monday in their opening match.
  • In other Pool "A" matches held on Tuesday, Nigeria saw off Namibia 2-0 after Quadre Barakat saw off Lisa Yssel 6-4,6-0 and Divine Nweke defeated Joanivia Bezuidenhout 6-0, 6-0, while Morocco recovered from the Day One shock loss to Kenya to hammer Uganda 2-0.

US-based Angella Okutoyi and Alicia Owegi Tuesday inspired Kenya to continue with their good run at the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III as the hosts made it two wins out two by stopping third seeds Botswana 3-0 at Nairobi Club on Tuesday.

Owegi was first to take to the refurbished clay courts, bouncing from one set down to defeat Cheludo Monnayoo 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the first singles match which lasted two hours and 49 minutes.

Muscle cramp nearly threatened Owegi's participation in tiebreaker as she required some treatment before proceeding with the match watched by hundreds including Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, double world record holder Faith Kipyegon and former New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor.

Wimbledon Junior Doubles champion Okutoyi then overpowered Chelsea Chakanyuka 6-1, 6-2 in 55 minutes in an entertaining second singles match where both players displayed great technique in serving.

Okutoyi then partnered with her twin sister, Roselida Asumwa to defeat Kelebogile Monnayoo and Chakanyuka 6-4, 6-2 in the doubles to complete a perfect outing for the hosts, who are seeded 11th.

Kenya outclassed top seeds Morocco 2-1 on Monday in their opening match.

In other Pool "A" matches held on Tuesday, Nigeria saw off Namibia 2-0 after Quadre Barakat saw off Lisa Yssel 6-4,6-0 and Divine Nweke defeated Joanivia Bezuidenhout 6-0, 6-0, while Morocco recovered from the Day One shock loss to Kenya to hammer Uganda 2-0.