The Nigerian capital, Abuja, hosted the African Karate Championships (UFAK) for Cadet, Junior, and Senior categories from July 25 to 27. The event brought together 371 athletes from 30 countries, confirming the vitality and growth of African karate.
Egyptian dominance
Egypt claimed the top spot on the medal table with an outstanding 24 continental titles, reinforcing its status as a powerhouse of African karate. Both young talents and seasoned athletes from Egypt delivered exceptional performances across nearly all divisions, showcasing the depth and quality of their karate program.
Morocco and Senegal complete the podium
Morocco finished second overall thanks to remarkable consistency, while Senegal secured third place with notable results in both kumite and kata events. These performances highlight the growing strength of West African nations in continental competitions.
Surprises and new champions
The final day crowned new senior champions, with standout performances from Tunisia, Algeria, and Cameroon. These nations delivered unexpected results, adding excitement and suspense to the tournament.
A memorable edition
With seamless organization and an electrifying atmosphere in the stands, these championships will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2025 African sporting calendar. The emergence of rising talents signals a promising future for karate across the continent, as Africa continues to close the gap with global standards.
Medal Table
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 23 | 7 | 5 | 35 |
| 2 | Morocco | 5 | 5 | 8 | 18 |
| 3 | Senegal | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | Algeria | 2 | 3 | 8 | 13 |
| 5 | Tunisia | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 6 | Cameroon | 1 | 7 | 9 | 17 |
| 7 | Nigeria | 1 | 5 | 9 | 15 |
| 8 | Burkina Faso | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| 9 | Niger | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 10 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 11 | Guinea | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |