In a journey of challenges and determination, Mozambican boxers Alcinda Panguana and Albino Gabriel emerge as the only competitors to remain on track for qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, during the qualifying phase held in Dakar, Senegal.
Alcinda Panguana shone in the 66kg category, defeating Cape Verdean Ivanucha Gomes by an impressive 5-0 margin. Her victory placed her in the semi-finals, and an additional win would directly qualify her for the Paris Olympic Games, as all finalists in each women's category secure a spot in this prestigious intercontinental event.
On the other hand, Albino Gabriel, also known as “Solomone”, advanced to the semi-finals in the 92kg category after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Kenyan Peter Alwanga. Solomone now faces the task of winning his next two matches, the semi-final and the final, since only the winners of the men's categories qualify.
Unfortunately, the other Mozambican boxers who reached the quarterfinals were unable to overcome their opponents. Rady Gramane, Isabel Mulungo, Benilde Macaringue, Armando Sigauque, and Tiago Muxanga showed courage, but were unable to win their fights, ending their participation in the competition.
The future still holds hope for Mozambican boxers, with two additional qualifying windows in January and March, open to boxers from around the world, offering more opportunities to secure a place at the Paris Olympic Games.
It is important to remember that Mozambique had representatives in boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021, with Alcinda Panguana and Rady Gramane competing at a high level, bringing the passion for the sport of boxing to a global audience and inspiring future generations of Mozambican boxers.
