South Africa showcase submission skills

Day two of the 2025 IMMAF Africa Championships saw Youth A athletes take centre stage in Luanda, Angola, delivering another thrilling day of competition.

After going without medals on day one, Team South Africa rebounded impressively, securing three gold medals with standout submission performances.

Caitey Karagiannidis set the tone for the team, earning a Women’s Strawweight gold via submission over Aanidje Zanga. She was followed by Caleb Swart, who overcame two opponents on his way to the top of the podium. Caiden Bouwer completed the gold-medal trifecta, finishing all three of his bouts, including a final against teammate Dante D’Amico, to cap off a flawless run.

Meanwhile, host nation Angola continued their dominant campaign. Fresh off her gold at the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships, Mayra Lemos returned in top form. She submitted Yelena Nkoassan of Cameroon via first-round armbar to add another title to her growing résumé.

Lemos’s performance led the charge as five more Angolan athletes captured gold medals, further solidifying Angola’s position at the top of the tournament’s medal standings.