WU20: Cherotich, Kosgei chase steeplechase gold as Mutunga eyes 400m podium

In the absence of Jackline Chepkoech, the women's 3000m steeplechase junior champion, compatriots Faith Cherotich and Pamela Kosgei fly Kenya's flag in the final set for Friday early morning from 1.20am (EAT). 

Cherotich who managed a bronze medal in the last edition held in Nairobi is looking to upgrade her third-place for gold while Kosgei is also keen to leave a mark at the junior championship ongoing in Cali, Colombia. 

Kenya has won the women’s title in the last three editions to continue a dominance that had been interrupted in 2014 it when Ruth Jebet, running for Bahrain won ahead of Roseline Chepngetich.

Cherotich was in a class of her own during the national trials, leading from gun to tape to clock 9:18.25 to book a ticket to the showpiece where she hopes to upgrade her bronze.

WU20: Peerless Cherotich sails to the 3000m Steeplechase final

The duo face stiff competition from the country’s long-time nemesis Ethiopia whose onslaught will be led by Sembo Almayew. 

The 17-year-old has been in sparkling form this season, finishing second at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Paris in 9:09.19 last month before finishing fifth in her heat at the World Championships in Oregon. 

She will be joined by Meseret Yeshaneh, who has a personal best of 9:33.34.

Meanwhile, Kenyans are hoping to have another podium finisher in the women's 400m as Damaris Nduleve Mutunga takes on a stellar field in the final set for 1.40am (EAT). 

Bronze medalist at last year’s event Sylvia Chelangat failed to make the final but Mutunga who won the national trials sailed through. 

The women's 400m favourite is Great Britain's Yemi Mary John who is the only sub 52 seconds runner on the field. Mutunga's 52.29 personal best pits her as the third-fastest in the race.