Zambia’s Kundanji Kalengo defeated Kenya’s Muqtadir Nimji 3-0 in squash singles to qualify for the men’s Plate final at the ongoing Commonwealth Games.
Kalengo dominated the entire three sets to seal the match 11-8, 11-9, and 11-3. Muqtadir battled hard in the first two sets but eventually ran out of steam in the final set.
Muqtadir said he will now focus on upcoming international tournaments. "It has been an eye-opener. We need to play more international tournaments in order to be competitive during major events," said Nimji.
Muqtadir overcame Ugandan’s Paul Kadoma 3-1 (8-1, 11-4, 11-7, 11-4) to qualify for the semi-finals. This saw him take on Shawn Simpson of Barbados on Tuesday, securing his spot in the Plate final with an easy 3-0 (9-11, 8-11, 11-13) win.
His sibling and compatriot, Khaaliqa Nimji reached the women’s singles plate quarter-final, where she lost to Guyana's Mary Fun-a-Fat.
The Kenyans' hope in squash now lies in the mixed doubles which are currently in the Round of 32.
The last time Kenya reached the Plate finals was in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Kenya's Hardeep Reel beat compatriot, Hartaj Bains 3-0 to win the plate in Melbourne.
