A Remarkable Display of Talent at the 2023 UFAK Championships in Casablanca
The 2023 UFAK Karate Championships in Casablanca have proven to be an electrifying showcase of talent, with karatekas from across the continent competing fiercely. From August 17th to 20th, the sports arena in Casablanca, Morocco has been filled with dynamic and powerful performances.
Egypt and Morocco Lead the Charge
In a stunning display of skill, Egypt and Morocco emerged as the dominant forces in this year’s championships, sharing a friendly yet intense rivalry. The two nations swept numerous categories, further cementing their positions as the powerhouse nations of the sport in Africa.
The Triumphs of Female Athletes
Lamis Abdelaziz of Egypt struck gold in Cadet Kata Female, marking the beginning of a wave of success for her country. Notably, in the same category, Khouloud Nzaq of Morocco exhibited a spirited performance to claim silver.
In Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg, Morocco celebrated a gold medal performance by Aya Tourabi, who won by “Hantei” or decision over Salma Hafed of Libya.
Men Making Their Mark
On the men’s side, Adam Rchouq of Morocco displayed his prowess in Cadet Kata Male, capturing the gold after a compelling duel with Egypt’s Adam Mohamed. The tension between these two countries was palpable, with each match seemingly more intense than the last.
In the heavyweight division of Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg, Tunisia celebrated a gold with Ali Rouached’s definitive 2-0 victory over Cameroon’s Yvan Ondoua II Abessolo.
Team Categories — A Unified Force
The team events offered a chance for countries to display their depth and unity. The Egyptian Female Team Kata Juniors, consisting of Elezaby Mariam, Khamis Jana, and Moussa Habiba, executed their forms flawlessly to take the gold.
Morocco’s Male Team Kata Juniors, consisting of Chakir Abderrahmane, Lamoum Tijani, and Rchouq Adam, demonstrated extraordinary synergy to secure gold. They celebrated their victory warmly, as they were hoisted on the shoulders of their teammates.
A Diverse Podium
Beyond the intense Egypt-Morocco rivalry, several other nations had their moments of glory. Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and South Africa were among the countries that also made it to the podium, showing that karate is a sport that is flourishing throughout the African continent.
For instance, in Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg, Anas Hassen Ben of Tunisia managed a narrow victory over Egypt’s Abdalla Aly Eltohamy, winning the gold with a 1-0 scoreline.
Conclusion
The 2023 UFAK Championships served as more than just a competition; it was a celebration of African karate. It provided a stage for emerging athletes to shine, for rivalries to be ignited, and for unity to be demonstrated through the love of karate.
While Egypt and Morocco may have dominated the medal tally, the real victory was the demonstration of talent, respect, and sportsmanship from all participating nations. As the dust settles in Casablanca, the legacy of this event will surely live on, inspiring the next generation of African karatekas to aim for new heights.
All results of the Cadet Competition and Kata Competitions
| Category | Rank | Full Name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet Kata Female | 1 | Abdelaziz Lamis | Egypt |
| 2 | Nzaq Khouloud | Morocco | |
| 3 | Zamtako Kalida Kenza | Burkina Faso | |
| 3 | Jagasur Nyska | South Africa | |
| Cadet Kata Male | 1 | Rchouq Adam | Morocco |
| 2 | Mohamed Adam | Egypt | |
| 3 | Rakotomamonjy Ayrton | Madagascar | |
| 3 | Khitsane Bohlokwa | South Africa | |
| Cadet Kumite Female -47 kg | 1 | Aboelnasr Nadia Osama | Egypt |
| 2 | Tarkou Roumayssae | Morocco | |
| 3 | Hawil Ramatoulaye | Guinea | |
| 3 | Iddir Melina | Algeria | |
| Cadet Kumite Female -54 kg | 1 | Elsayed Jana Hazem | Egypt |
| 2 | Jagasur Nyska | South Africa | |
| 3 | De Haan Fama Samassa | Senegal | |
| 3 | Beelazi Yasmine | Tunisia | |
| Cadet Kumite Female -61 kg | 1 | Bahajjou Jihane | Morocco |
| 2 | Ksantini Maysa | Tunisia | |
| 3 | Elmorsi Nourhan | Egypt | |
| 3 | Withney Lea Tetabou Djofo | Cameroon | |
| Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg | 1 | Tourabi Aya | Morocco |
| 2 | Hafed Salma | Libya | |
| 3 | Oula Tchoma Precilia | Cote D`Ivoire | |
| 3 | Tantawi Mariam | Egypt | |
| Cadet Kumite Male -52 kg | 1 | Es-Saidy Mohammed | Morocco |
| 2 | Sylla Alhassane | Guinea | |
| 3 | Bendhifallah Mohamed Iheb | Tunisia | |
| 3 | Tebbal Khalil | Algeria | |
| Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg | 1 | Ben Hassen Anas | Tunisia |
| 2 | Eltohamy Abdalla Aly | Egypt | |
| 3 | Nacro Fadel | Burkina Faso | |
| 3 | El Makhlofi Marouane | Morocco | |
| Cadet Kumite Male -63 kg | 1 | Alduweebi Albasheer | Libya |
| 2 | Khelifi Yasine | Tunisia | |
| 3 | Douaidi Nazim | Algeria | |
| 3 | Gaye Mouhamadou Moustapha | Senegal | |
| Cadet Kumite Male -70 kg | 1 | Gori Abderrazak | Algeria |
| 2 | Khitsane Bohlokwa | South Africa | |
| 3 | Meaareg Ahmed | Egypt | |
| 3 | Ben Mabrouk Mouhamed Seddik | Tunisia | |
| Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg | 1 | Rouached Ali | Tunisia |
| 2 | Abessolo Ondoua II Yvan | Cameroon | |
| 3 | Jean Michel Conde | Guinea | |
| 3 | Khouy Ilyasse | Morocco | |
| Junior Kata Female | 1 | Khamis Jana | Egypt |
| 2 | Mouton Merziaan Astrid | Namibia | |
| 3 | El Machouat Douaa | Morocco | |
| 3 | Abassi Aya | Tunisia | |
| Junior Kata Male | 1 | Lamoum Tijani | Morocco |
| 2 | Ahmed Osama Elbaz | Egypt | |
| 3 | Alqizlah Hammam | Libya | |
| 3 | Ghanjati Mohamed Rayen | Tunisia | |
| Kata Team Cadet and Junior Female | 1 | Egypt Female Team Kata Juniors: Elezaby Mariam, Khamis Jana, Moussa Habiba | Egypt |
| 2 | South Africa Junior and Cadets Kata: Pillay Azaria, Pillay Zia-Omera, Stevenson Kelsy Amber | South Africa | |
| 3 | Morocco: Chahid Chaymae, El Kahri Israe, Nzaq Khouloud | Morocco | |
| 3 | Cameroon: Lesly Carelle Tueno Fotso, Ange Alithney Makam Kamgang, Akamba Tchankeu Naissance | Cameroon | |
| Kata Team Cadet and Junior Male | 1 | Morocco: Chakir Abderrahmane, Lamoum Tijani, Rchouq Adam | Morocco |
| 2 | Cameroon: Sandjon Nana Ngangue Hugues, Joseph Daniel Djiomo, Jacques Robin Fred Hiol Hiol | Cameroon | |
| 3 | Team Botswana: Molefhe Gabriel, Nsala Kao, Mooketsi Lefika | Botswana | |
| 3 | Egypt Male Team Kata Juniors: Elyamani Ali Salaheldin, Mohamed Abdulrahmman, Wafa ZeanelDin | Egypt |