Host country Kenya had its fans on their feet as they applauded the victory of Vivian Cheruiyot in the women's 5,000m race on the second day of the Africa Athletics Championship in Nairobi.

Having been routed in the 10,000m men race on the opening day, Ethiopians athletes were on a mission to claim some respect to their perennial rivals and World Indoor Champion Meseret Defar was set to taste her host's resilience and it went to the wire before she lost it out to Cheruiyot, the world champion.

It was the second loss for Defar at the big stage to Cheruiyot, after Berlin World Championship in August 2009.

She made it 1-1 in Doha in March to claim the 3,000m gold at the World Indoor Championship, but could not find the final strength to deny Cheruiyot making history at home.

Cheruiyot, who was making her debut in the continental premier track and field championship, was at the main center of focus as the race started and she showed a true warrior spirit talking the battle to the Ethiopians in what was a low paced race.

"I know the Ethiopians have been beating us on the final sprint. I took it upon myself to train in my kick and I was certain I had the strength to do so. So when I approached the bell, I was certain I could beat anyone," said Cheruiyot.

The Kenyan, running before her over 26,000 fans waited until the final lap before she could pounce and test the resilience of the Ethiopians.

As she approached the bell, she took over the lead with Meseret Defer following while Sentayehu Ejigu was next.

With 300m to go, Cheruiyot went out on full throttle and for another 200m Defer matched her pace.

But as they approached the home stretch, Cheruiyot opened the gap with every stride and Defer was left watching her back for the silver as the thunderous crowd that had come to witness the contest rose on their feet in recognition of the feat.

Cheruiyot had the time and space to wave to the crowd as she went for the finish line and produced her trademark punch in the air as she won in 16:20.72.

"I really feel proud to have won here at home. It is not everyday that we run in Kenya and now the fans have had the opportunity to see us win," she said.

Defar, even in defeat was able to smile and congratulate the champion as she followed to take Ethiopia's first silver in 16:20. 54.

"It was a good race and I felt some pain while in the race and that is why I could not give it the best sprint. But I lost to a better runner and I realize that Vivian will always be a threat in the 5,000m race," said Defer.

Ejigu, the new star on the block, proved to be dangerous as she struggled on to deny Kenya's Ines Chononges the bronze medal finishing third after 16:22.52.

Chononges was happy with her fourth finish, though she really gave it all to clinch the bronze. She finished in 16:22.65 ahead of Sule Utura of Ethiopia in 16:26.21 while Esther Chemutai was sixth in 16:29.25.

Tanzania's Zakia Mrisho of Tanzania, who was the race dark horse could only last for the first eight laps and was happy to claim the seventh place in 16:38.57 while Rwanda's Claudette Mukasakindi was eighth in 17:27.92.

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