The African Championships began with home success ©Twitter/Team Ghana

Egypt’s Heba Ahmed claimed gold on the opening day of the African Weightlifting Championships in Cairo.

Ahmed triumphed in front of her home crowd at Cairo Stadium in the women’s 49 kilogram competition.

The home favourite won the snatch discipline to open the event, before triumphing in the clean and jerk.

The efforts saw her crowned the overall winner.

Ghana were also celebrated success, as Winnifred Ntumi secured a podium finish.

She achieved a lift of 57kg in the snatch event, before succeeding with an attempt at 67kg in the clean and jerk.

The efforts gave her a winning total of 124kg.

The Championships will continue tomorrow with five events scheduled to take place.