The men's 100m, one of the most highly-anticipated events at any Olympic Games started with heats on Saturday morning.
Ghana's Azamati was in the first heat in lane 6.
He placed second after Jamaica's Kishane Thompson of Jamaica, who holds the world leading time of 9.77 this year.
After an early drama, that saw Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu receiving a straight disqualification for a false start in the first men's 100m heat, Jamaica's Kishane Thompson came through to win heat one in 10 seconds dead.
Benjamin Azamati of Ghana was second in 10.08 with Cuba's Reynaldo Espinosa third.
Great Britains Azu pleaded his case to the official, but the decision was made.
The British athlete was escorted away from the track.
Heat 2
The second heat was won by Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala in 10.08, Italy Chituru Ali was second with the German Joshua Hartmann third.
Heat 3
It was an impressive stuff from British champion Louie Hinchliffe to win Heat 3, beating reigning world champion Noah Lyles in the process.
He clocked 9.98, fractionally off his personal best of 9.98.
He started well and was going all out until about 95m.
Noah Lyles came through after an iffy start, finishing second in 10.04.
Heat 5
Ghana' Abdul Rashid Saminu placed third in Heat 5.