The dust has officially settled on Day 1 of the Mkwawa Rally, the grand finale of the 2025 FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) — and it did not disappoint. Hosted in the scenic yet demanding terrains of Morogoro, Tanzania, this event holds not just local pride but continental stakes, as it will determine who will be crowned the African Rally Champion.
Heading into the final round, all eyes were on Uganda’s Yasin Nasser, who led the ARC standings with 114 points, thanks to a spectacular drive in Burundi. Hot on his heels was Kenya’s Samman Vohra with 106 points, and his compatriot Nikhil Sachania in third place with 77 points.
With six competitive stages completed on Saturday covering a portion of the total 181 km planned, it is Samman Vohra who has stormed into the lead with a commanding performance. Clocking a total time of 01:03:27.7, Vohra has now significantly boosted his chances of clinching the continental title, putting pressure on the rest of the field.
In second place sits none other than Karan Patel — the man many are calling the “championship disruptor.” Although not in direct contention for the ARC title, his presence on the podium could dramatically impact the final points distribution. Patel wrapped up Day 1 with a time of 01:03:40.6, just 13 seconds behind Vohra, adding intrigue to the already tense title race.
Completing the provisional podium is Tanzania’s own Ahmed Huwel, who posted 01:07:44.4, a strong showing that’s igniting local excitement and pride.
Yasin Nasser: The Ugandan Hope
Meanwhile, it was a tough day at the office for ARC leader Yasin Nasser, representing Uganda’s Team Moil. Finishing Day 1 in fourth position with a time of 01:08:16.7, Nasser now faces an uphill battle to defend his lead. While the Day 1 results may not have gone as planned, there’s still hope with day two of racing, every second counts.
Fans across East Africa especially back home in Uganda are rallying behind him, urging him to dig deep and push hard. “It’s not over. We believe in Yasin. Day 2 can turn it around.
1st Samman Vohra Kenya 01:03:27.7
2nd Karan Patel Kenya 01:03:40.6
3rd Ahmed Huwel Tanzania 01:07:44.4
4th Yasin Nasser Uganda 01:08:16.7
With one day more action packed to go, the championship is far from decided. Sunday’s stages will be critical including power stage not just for stage glory, but for the overall ARC title. All eyes remain on the top contenders, especially Vohra and Nasser, whose duel is shaping up to be one for the ages.
Will Vohra maintain his lead and snatch the African crown on Tanzanian soil? Or will Yasin Nasser mount a heroic comeback to bring the championship home to Uganda?
One thing is certain the battle for Africa’s rallying supremacy is on, and Morogoro is its battleground.
Stay tuned for more updates from the heart of the action.
