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12:18 GMT, Thursday, 21 August 2008 13:18 UK

In pictures: Africa's Olympians

Nigeria's football team pose before the semi-final match against Belgium

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Nigeria's "Dream Team" beat Belgium on Tuesday, 4-1. They are now preparing to meet the Olympic reigning football champions, Argentina, on the pitch on Saturday, to battle it out for gold.

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry (L) and US's Elizabeth Beisel (R) compete in the women's 200m backstroke final

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry (L) and US's Elizabeth Beisel (R) compete in the women's 200m backstroke final

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Earlier this week, Zimbabwe's "golden girl" - Kirsty Coventry - won a gold medal to add to her three silvers after coming first, as she did in Athens, in the women's 200m backstroke race.

South Africa's Khotso Mokoena competes during the men's long jump final

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South Africa's Khotso Mokoena will be leaving Beijing with a silver medal for his stunning performance in the men's long jump event...

South Africa's Natalie du Toit prepares for the women 10km marathon open water race

South Africa's Natalie du Toit prepares for the women 10km marathon open water race

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... Mokoena's fellow South African Olympian, Nathalie du Toit, became the first female amputee to participate in the Olympics. She swam the marathon 10,000m open water race on Wednesday.

Kenya's Pamela Jelimo (R) crosses the finish line in the women's 800m to take gold

Kenya's Pamela Jelimo (R) crosses the finish line in the women's 800m to take gold

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Eighteen-year-old Pamela Jelimo brought the gold home for Kenya when she powered to a brilliant 800m victory on Monday.

Morocco's Hasna Benhassi (L) crosses the finish line in the women's 800m final after Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei (R)

Morocco's Hasna Benhassi (L) crosses the finish line in the women's 800m final after Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei (R)

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Janeth Jepkosgei could not match Jelimo's devastating pace but she took silver ahead of Morocco's Hasna Benhassi. Mozambique's veteran Olympian, Maria Mutola, finished out of the medals in sixth place.

Cameroon's Francoise Mbango Etoneo holds her gold medal up at the women's triple jump medal ceremony

Cameroon's Francoise Mbango Etoneo holds her gold medal up at the women's triple jump medal ceremony

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Cameroon also got a gold on Monday - Francoise Mbango Etoneo successfully defended her Olympic triple jump title with a new Games record leap. An effort of 15.39 metres secured her victory

Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba (R) and Meselech Melkamu (L) hold hands after the women's 5,000m heat

Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba (R) and Meselech Melkamu (L) hold hands after the women's 5,000m heat

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While on Tuesday, Tirunesh Dibaba, the world champion from Ethiopia, won the women's 10,000m race, setting a new Olympic record with her time of 29 minutes 54.68 seconds.

Athletes compete during the men's 10,000m final

Athletes compete during the men's 10,000m final

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Dibaba's compatriot, Kenenisa Bekele also won a gold medal and created an Olympic record after storming ahead to win the men's 10,000m. Their fellow countryman, Sileshi Sihine took the silver.

Kenya's Catherine Ndereba celebrates after coming second in the women's marathon

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Kenya's Catherine Ndereba celebrated after speeding her way to silver in the women's marathon, after she battled down the home straight.

Cameroon's Fomum Victorine Agum competing in the women's singles table tennis

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The Olympics is always an occasion to watch sports that are less well followed - here Cameroon's Fomum Victorine Agum is seen playing table tennis in the women's singles.

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