Iddris-Sandor clinches bronze at African Sambo Championships

Ghana’s Abdullah Iddris-Sandor has secured a bronze medal at the 2025 African Sambo Championships, held from 24-26 May in Guinea’s capital, Conakry.

The 36-year-old, competing in the men’s 58kg sport sambo division, fought his way to the semi-finals before bowing out to share third place with Togo’s Anthony Yao Sodjine. 

Morocco’s Yasser Bouhessoune claimed gold after a thrilling final against Guinea’s own Issiaga Sylla, who took silver in front of a passionate home crowd.

What is Sambo?

For those unfamiliar with the sport, sambo is a dynamic combat discipline with roots in Soviet-era wrestling, developed in the 1920s.

Blending elements of judo, jiu-jitsu, and folk wrestling, it has gained global popularity—with many of its techniques now seen in mixed martial arts (MMA).

A continental showcase

This year’s championships, hosted at Conakry’s Stade du 28 Septembre, saw athletes from 19 African nations battle for medals across three categories: Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Beach Sambo. The event highlights the sport’s growing appeal across the continent.

Iddris-Sandor’s podium finish marks another milestone for Ghana in combat sports, following strong performances in boxing and taekwondo in recent years.