End of African Nation road for Changawa sibling act

Kenyan top ranked players- the Changawa siblings of Ismail Mzai and Shufaa- crashed out of the 2016 African Nations Cup men and women singles competition on Wednesday at Nairobi Club during the quarterfinals to Amine Ahouda and Chiraz Bechri of Morrocco and Tunisia.

It was heartbreak for the local duo with US-based Ismail who scraped to the last eight after eliminating Ivan Matata of Congo crashing 2-6, 6-0 to the Moroccan.

Speaking to Citizen Digital the elder Changawa who is also in the men’s doubles semi-final acknowledged that he was not well prepared for the contest in addition to the unfavourable clay court that gave his opponent an advantage.

“Yesterday (Tuesday) I played really good but this morning I came into this match unprepared and the court was a bit slippery.

“I tried to keep all the balls in but I ended up losing. I came into the country on Sunday and had little time to practice on this clay court. We have got a team event on Saturday and all I can do now is keeping focus,” the national champion rued.

“Ahouda is a really good player and he had an advantage of the court considering that he is used to play in clay in Morocco. I’m much used to play in the grass court,” Ismail added.

His sister seemed to lack motivation after her brother fell and her opponent utilized the opportunity to win straight sets of 6-1, 6-3.

Shufaa was quick to congratulate the Tunisian on her performance despite the Kenyan’s battling display in the second set.

“The game was good and I really fought despite my opponent who has been playing a lot of good tennis in the tournament. I’m very happy and proud although I lost.

“She is really good because any time I would give a short ball she could come out and attack,” the younger Changawa offered.

In an earlier singles clash Kenya’s Sheila Kotecha was beaten by Tunisian Moez Echargui 7-6 (1), 6-1 with the fire running out of her belly after losing the opener to a tie-breaker.

-Report by Richard Obaga