Ethiopia has two chances for a medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. Sembo Almayew and Lomi Muleta have qualified for the final on Sunday at the Stade de France.

During heat two, Sembo Alemayew secured her spot in the finals by finishing second with a time of 9:15.11. Lomi Muleta also qualified, finishing fifth in heat one with 9:10.73.

Kenya’s Olympic debutant Faith Cherotich clocked a time of 9:10.57 to finish second in heat one, behind reigning champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda. Chemutai finished in first place with a time of 9:10.51. Germany’s Felicitas Grause was third, posting a season’s best time of 9:10.68. World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and youngster Faith Cherotich Sunday stormed the 3000m steeplechase final.

Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfred Mutile Yavi, who stayed behind the leading pack until the last lap, surged to clinch victory in the second heat in 9:15.11 ahead of Sembo Almayew and American Valarie Constien respectively.

The final is scheduled for Wednesday.