Kael Shalin Shah in action./HANDOUT
Kenya and Botswana were locked at 1-1 after the opening singles rubbers of their Davis Cup Africa Group IV tie, setting up a decisive doubles encounter in the battle for promotion.
The second-day clash followed Kenya’s encouraging start against Algeria and presented another important test for the hosts as they sought to maintain momentum in front of their home supporters.
Kenya drew first blood through Ismael Changawa, who produced a commanding display to defeat Botswana’s Mark Tawa 6-3, 6-1 and hand the hosts the opening point.
Changawa looked far sharper than in his previous outing, controlling rallies from the baseline and dictating play throughout much of the contest. He established early authority and consistently forced Tawa onto the defensive before wrapping up the match in straight sets.
The victory was especially pleasing for Changawa, who credited hard work on the training court for the improved performance.
“For me, it’s a really good day because I played much better than yesterday. I trained hard in the morning and came back stronger. Mark is a good player. We’ve faced each other twice, and I’ve won both times,” said Changawa.
Despite the defeat, Tawa remained optimistic about Botswana’s chances.
“I lost, but I’m not worried because we have a really good team, so I’m just going to support my teammate. Changawa was a better player, and he played better,” he said.
Tawa added that he hopes to improve the mental side of his game after recently competing on hard courts in the United States.
“Today’s game was a good improvement from yesterday. It’s a team sport, so maybe they’ll do what I couldn’t. I also need to improve on my mental aspect and work on the little things,” he added.
Botswana responded in the second singles rubber through Ntungamili Raguin, who edged Kenya’s Kael Shah in a fiercely contested three-set encounter to level the tie.
Raguin narrowly claimed the opening set 7-5 after a closely fought battle featuring long baseline exchanges and solid serving from both players.
Shah responded strongly in the second set, raising his intensity and finding greater accuracy on his groundstrokes to take it 6-2 and force a decider.
However, Raguin regained control in the third set, capitalising on crucial opportunities and maintaining his composure in key moments to secure a 6-3 victory and Botswana’s equalising point.
The tie now moves to a pivotal doubles rubber, with Shah and Zayyan Virani scheduled to face Botswana’s Batsomi Marobela and Raguin.
With promotion hopes potentially hinging on every rubber, the doubles contest could prove decisive not only in determining the outcome of the tie but also in shaping the wider race for advancement from Africa Group IV.
