Uganda has suffered an early blow after two boxers’ elimination as the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification tournament got underway in Dakar, Senegal.

Grace Nankinga and Jonah Kyobe had their journey cut short just at the first hurdle on Saturday.

Nankinga lost her fight 5-0 against Yusufu Zulfa Macho of Tanzania in the Women’s 50kg round of 32.

Kyobe also lost 5-0 to Rogoberto Armando of Mozambique in the Men’s 51kg round of 32 bout.

Isaac Zebra Ssenyange got a walkover against Deng Malou of South Sudan who didn’t show up for the Men’s 51kg round of 32 contest.

Zebra return to the ring on Sunday against Bongco Simnikiwe of South Africa for a place in the Quarterfinals.

Captain Joshua Tukamuhebwa will be in action against Gebremariam Abrham Alem of Ethiopia in Men’s 63.5kg.

Shadir Musa Bwogi faces Younes Nemouchi of Algeria in the Men’s 80kg in the other fight on Sunday.

In these Africa qualifiers, there is only one men’s quota berth available in each of the seven classes, with two quota spots in each women’s weight class (apart from there being just one in the 75kg division).

In short, seven men boxers (one from each weight category) will represent the African continent.