Nairobi — Africa's greatest track rivalry will be played out again on Wednesday when Kenya lead and Ethiopia lead the rest of the field in the men 10,000m final as the curtains go up on the 17th Senior Africa Athletics Championship at Nyayo National Stadium.

Kenya was routed by the hosts Ethiopia in the last championships in Addis Ababa with John Korir's fourth place the best Kenya could manage on night of absolute dominance by eventual winner Gebregziabher Gebremariam, Ibrahim Jeilan and Eshetu Wondemu.

Humiliation

After two years planning, former World Junior 5,000m silver medallist Mathew Kisorio will be the point man as Kenya seeks revenge for the humiliation suffered on that wet evening in the Ethiopian capital.

Others in the team are Geoffrey Mutai and Wilson Kiprop.

"It is not easy to win a slot in the Kenya team. We might be young, but looking at the effort we put in the trials, we are here to stay and this championship, will help us to cement our place in the team," said Kisorio who has a personal best time of 27:15.44 set in Utrech.

It's an entirely new team for Ethiopia too but with Olympic 10,000m Sileshi Sihine leading the Ethiopian charge, Kenyans can expect another torrid time from their northern neighbours.

With the starrring parts in this race reserved for Kenya and Etiopia, Uganda and Eritrea are cast in the supporting roles and may just sneak into the medal bracket.

Uganda, who arrived in the country on Monday will be represented by Moses Kipsiro, the winner in Bambous, Mauritius in 2006, Stephen Kiprotich and Geoffrey Kusuro.

Great form

Kipsiro, who missed the championship in Addis Ababa, has been in great form and has set a personal best time of 28:03.46 while winning in Bambous.

With his eyes set on making Uganda's team to the Commonwealth Games, Kipsiro is keen to reclaim his title but Uganda's national champion Kusuro will be playing out the pace setter's role.

For Eritrea, there will be Teklemariam Medhin, Kidane Tadasse and Samuel Tsegay.

Kenya's national head coach Stephen Mwaniki remained optimistic, the athletes have done enough in training and it is upon them to display their potential on the track.