Nairobi - David Rudisha won a much anticipated 800 metres against fellow Kenyan and former world champion Alfred Kirwa at the African athletics championships on Friday.

Rudisha retained his African title in 1 minute, 42.84 seconds, thrilling the home crowd as he outpaced the field with 300 to go to win with a commanding lead.

He received a standing ovation as he crossed the finish line with Kirwa and Jackson Kivuva in tow for an all-Kenyan sweep of the podium.

Rudisha has won his last six races, leading many observers to believe the 21-year-old will dominate the 800 globally.

South Africa's Mbulaeni Muaudzi, the world champion in the 800 who was expected to provide Rudisha's greatest challenge, did not start. Rudisha has won all three head-to-head encounters with Muaudzi this season.

Sudan's two-time world indoor champion Abubaker Kaki did not enter, either. Instead, he's chosen to anchor Sudan's 4x400 relay team.

In the women's 400, Botswana's Amantle Montsho won gold in 50.03 seconds.

The men's 400 was won by Libya's Mohammed Khawaja Mohammed at 44.98. He improved on his personal best time of 45.42. Sudan's Rabah Yousif was second and Gary Kikaya of the Ivory Coast third.

South Africa won gold and silver in the men's 400 hurdles. Louis Jacobs van Zyl won in 48.51 seconds while Cornel Fredericks was second in 48.79.

Kenya and South Africa are atop the medal count with one day left in the four-day competition.