Nairobi — Moses Kipsiro has remained modest two days to his favourite event - the 5000 meters race. He down played the excitement surrounding the 12.5 lap race where rated pundits have placed him amongst the gold medal contenders.

"I might even not run," joked the African champion adding that he is already tired after his silver winning run in the 10000m in the Kenyan capital.

But beyond Kipsiro's jokes is an athlete of rare determination out to stamp his authority on the 17th Africa Senior athletics championship. Victory on Sunday will make Kipsiro the only competitor to have made it to the podium in the two long distance events.

It's not the first time that he has sparkled to such heights. He won gold and silver in the two races at a continental meet in Mauritius.

He was back with a bang on Wednesday when he won silver as the Kenyan duo of Wilson Kiprop and Geoffrey Mutai got gold and bronze respectively.

When pressed further yesterday, Kipsiro finally opened up. "Anyway I will see what I can do. There is still time to rest and plan," said the former World Senior Athletics championships 5000m silver medallist. He will this time have the backing of team mates Geoffrey Kusuro and Abraham Kiplimo.

His silver crowned an evening where almost all the Ugandans fell out. Janet Achola was one of the few surviving Ugandans advancing to the finals after clocking 4:20.41 in the 1500m women event. Action continues today with Benjamin Kiplagat leading Uganda's entry alongside Ben Siwa and Simon Ayeko in the 3000m steeplechase final.

The events opened under heavy security in and outside the stadium following deadly bombings in neighbouring Uganda.

Today

3.50pm 3000mSC final

4.25pm 1500m women final

6.40pm 4 X400 women final

6.50pm 4 X100m men final Sunday

5000m final