Tripoli, Libya – The curtains closed on a spectacular edition of the African Muaythai Championships 2025, with athletes from across the continent leaving their mark on the ring in a thrilling finals day, followed by a heartfelt medal and closing ceremony.
Hosted in the vibrant capital of Libya, the championship brought together over a dozen nations in a powerful celebration of sport, culture, and unity. Over three days of intense competition, athletes demonstrated world-class technique, national pride, and the shared values of Muaythai.
Finals Day – Africa’s Finest Rise to the Top
Finals day delivered unforgettable performances across youth, U23, and elite categories. Among the many standout victories:
Hamza Sabri (Morocco) clinched gold in the Senior Male Elite -75kg division with a commanding display of strength and ring IQ.
Cherif Wail Mammeri (Algeria) stormed to victory in the Senior Male Elite +91kg, leaving no doubt about his dominance in the division.
Zekra Salah (Egypt) claimed gold in the U23 Female -54kg, highlighting the strength of Egypt’s rising female athletes.
Saifeddine Khemili (Tunisia) earned top honours in the U23 Male -75kg, continuing Tunisia’s steady climb in the sport.
Medal Ceremony & Closing Celebration
The final medal ceremony was filled with emotion and pride as national flags were raised and anthems played. Libya, as host nation, was praised for its exceptional hospitality and commitment to Muaythai’s values of respect and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mohamad Shref, President of the Libyan Muaythai Federation, stated:
“This championship is a historic moment for Muaythai in Libya. We are honoured to have welcomed our African brothers and sisters to Tripoli, and proud of how our athletes and organising team rose to the occasion. This event was about more than medals — it was about unity and building a shared future for African Muaythai.”
Driss El Hilali, President of the African Muaythai Union and IFMA Vice President, echoed the sentiment:
“The level of competition at this championship proves that Africa is rising fast in the world of Muaythai. From youth development to elite performances, the passion and progress we’ve seen here in Libya have been extraordinary. I congratulate all athletes and National Federations for their contribution to this success.”
Overall Medal Standings
The final medal table saw several powerhouse nations topping the ranks:
| Nation | Gold |  Silver |  Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Algeria | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Egypt | 4 | 7 | 4 |
 Libya | 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Tunisia | 2 | 5 | 4 |
(Full standings available on IFMALive.com)
Safety & Excellence
The competition ran under strict IFMA protocols, with all bouts supervised by international referees and supported by a robust medical framework.
Dr. Erdogan Aydin, Technical Delegate and Chair of the IFMA Medical Commission, praised the event’s operational standards:
“From both a technical and medical perspective, the Libyan organisers delivered at a high international level. Athlete safety was prioritised throughout, and the performances across the divisions speak to the quality of athlete development happening across Africa.”
Looking Ahead
The 2025 African Championships will be remembered not only for the medals won, but for the friendships forged and the spirit of unity it represented. With eyes now turning toward Muaythai’s pathway to the 2027 African Games, this event served as a major step forward for the continental development of the sport.
Congratulations to all participating nations — and to Libya for hosting an unforgettable championship that truly honoured the art and heart of Muaythai.
