Christian was hoping to give the home fans something to cheer on the second day of competition at the Paposy boxing venue, but found himself facing the tough challenge of under 60 kilogram third seed Abdelaal.

The 2015 AFBC African Confederation Boxing Championships silver medallist had too much for the home favourite as he stormed to a unanimous points victory.

Two judges awarded the Egyptian the contest 30-26, while the third gave him a less convincing 30-27 margin.

Algeria’s Reda Benbaziz, who beat Abdelaal in the AFBC African Confederation Boxing Championships final, also began his campaign with a victory.

The top seed and 2015 All African Games champion was behind on the scorecards after the opening round of his clash against Sulaiman Segawa, but the Ugandan was disqualified in the second round to give his opponent the win.

Benbaziz’s team-mate Mohamed Grimes had a tricky contest against Congo’s Ardi Da-Slyvia Ndembo in the men’s over 91 kilogram super heavyweight.

The All-Africa Games bronze medallist was eventually able to come through the encounter, as he was awarded a split decision verdict at the close of the bout.

In the under 64kg light welterweight division, Namibia’s Jonas Junius has emerged as one of the favourites for victory, having stopped Ghana’s Jessie Lartey in the third round of their bout.

“I felt strong and confident so I am satisfied with my performance and it was the perfect start for me in Yaoundé,” said Junius afterwards.

“I have got a long reach and a classic southpaw fighter is the perfect opponent for me.

“I want to make my mark here in Yaoundé so I hope my skills will be recognised in the upcoming bouts.”

The continent’s best male and female boxers are competing for 36 qualification places - 30 men’s and six women’s - at Rio 2016.

However, Tanzania have been forced to withdraw from the competition due to a lack of funds.

The second day of the American Olympic Qualification Event proved to be positive for the United States, after two of their three boxers secured victories.

Mikaela Joslin Mayer was a comfortable winner in the 57 to 60kg women’s lightweight class as she sealed a technical knockout win over Barbados’ Kimberly Gittens.

Her triumph was followed by Jonathan Esquivel securing a unanimous points win over Bahamas’ Israel Johnson at men’s 81kg light heavyweight, however his compatriot Marlo Moore suffered a split decision defeat to Canada’s Aaron Huggins in the super heavyweight division.

Competition is taking place in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires, with 25 quota places for men and five for women up for grabs.