Botswana emerged as one of the standout nations on Day 3 of the African Athletics Championships 2026 in Accra, Ghana, securing five medals in total, including two gold, while the host nation Ghana also celebrated its first podium finishes of the competition.

The highlight came from Lee Bhekimpilo Eppie, who claimed his first individual continental title by winning the men’s 400m in 44.66 seconds.

The 26-year-old, a key member of Botswana’s successful 4x400m relay team, delivered a controlled and powerful finish to secure gold ahead of Zimbabwe’s Denis Hove (44.92) and Leeford Zuze (45.03).

Eppie described the victory as a long-awaited personal milestone, noting it felt different from his previous relay successes.

Botswana continued its strong performance in the men’s 400m hurdles, where Tisang Kemorena secured gold in 48.66 seconds, completing a Botswana 1–2 finish with Victor Ntweng taking silver. South Africa’s Wernich van Rensburg claimed bronze.

In the women’s events, Botswana added two more silver medals through Kamberuka Obakeng in the 400m and Nowe Oratile in the 800m, bringing their Day 3 medal haul to five.

The results underline Botswana’s growing dominance in track events, while marking a breakthrough day for hosts Ghana in front of home fans.