Team Kenya shot a combined three over par score in the second round of the All Africa Golf Team Championship in Egypt to drop off the podium places as leaders Morocco maintained their march towards a maiden victory.
Adel Balala was the best performer returning a score of level par as compatriots John Lejirma and Dennis Maara carded 73 and 74 respectively. Mike Karanga managed 74 for +6 aggregate. Kenya, currently sitting 19 shots adrift, moves one place down to position four behind Tunisia as the championship slowly shapes into a two-horse race between leaders Morocco and South Africa.
“It was slow day for the team and we didn’t have lucky breaks. I didn’t create many birdie opportunities today and the few I had I failed to convert. However, we are optimistic and looking forward to a good round tomorrow so that we can close the gap from the leaders,” said Balala.
Overnight leader Fakori El Mehdi carded two under 70 today to hang on to the leadership where he was joined by Egypt’s Abou Issa who shot five under 67, the day’s best round. Two Moroccans Nizar Mohammed and Adam Bresnu shot -2 and -1 respectively to push the team score to -19 as the North Africans opened a seven shot lead over defending champions South Africa.
South Africa has won all the events since the championship was launched in 2001 save for 2009. Each country is represented by four players with the best three scores counting towards the team total in each round.
TEAM SCORE
Morocco -19
South Africa -12
Tunisia -1
Kenya Par
