The 23-year-old, who won bronze at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, carried his country's flag during the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony.

He was defeated in the round of 32 in the Brazilian city last year but claimed a split decision points victory over Louis Richarno Colin of Mauritius today.

South Africa's Sinethemba Blom also progressed today as he recorded a unanimous points win over Mohamed Ali of Sudan.

Mulumba Mbaya of the Democratic Republic of Congo also won in convincing fashion.

The referee was forced to stop his contest against Ali Issa of Cameroon midway through the second round.

Nasreddine Bensaid of Algeria proved too strong for Angola's Nafital Afonso Goma as he secured a comprehensive points success.

Semi-final action took place in the women's flyweight competitions today.

Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria secured her place in the final with a unanimous decision win over Christine Ongare of Kenya.

Awaiting her in the gold medal match will be Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco after she also recorded a comprehensive decision win over the Democratic Republic of Congo's Esotia-Rossette Ndongala.

Action will continue in Brazzaville tomorrow.

The tournament was initially due to begin on May 27 but the dates were changed to ensure that the event "met the high standards demanded from such a prestigious competition".

It is the sole African qualifying event for the 2017 World Championships in Hamburg and will now finish on June 25.