Egypt dominates Africa Youth Chess Championship
Continental powerhouse secures 11 medals as more than 900 young players compete in Uganda tournament
ENTEBBE, Uganda (MNTV) — Egypt emerged as the overall champion of the 17th Africa Youth Chess Championship in Uganda after collecting 11 medals, including six gold, four silver and one bronze.
The North African nation once again showcased its strength in youth chess by topping the medal standings at the continental event held in Entebbe, which attracted more than 900 participants from across Africa.
One of the tournament’s biggest surprises came in the Under-8 Open category, where Egypt’s Sameir Mahmoud, seeded 39th, stunned higher-ranked opponents to capture the gold medal. Kenya’s Kirega Rayvon and Kariuki Matthias secured silver and bronze respectively.
Host nation Uganda celebrated success in the Under-8 Girls section after Jacinta Mbabazi claimed gold following a strong performance. She finished level on points with Kenya’s Jasmine Aaliyah but secured first place through tiebreaks, while South Africa’s Khethelo Mlaba earned bronze.
Egypt continued its dominance in the Under-10 Girls division as top-seeded Tawfeik Said won gold with an impressive eight points from nine rounds. Uganda collected both silver and bronze medals in the category.
In the Under-10 Open competition, Egypt’s Ezaat Ahmed finished first with 8.5 points, while Kenyan players once again settled for second and third positions.
Kenya’s WCM Winnie Kaburo captured the Under-12 Girls title after scoring eight points from nine games. Egypt’s Mohamed Ahmed won silver, while Madagascar’s Nivo Tsinjovintavo secured bronze for her country.
Uganda’s Ronald Wabwire delighted local supporters after winning the Under-12 Open category with eight points. Kenya’s Nathaniel Manyeki and Faraja Muli completed the podium.
Madagascar’s Aina Tsinjovintavo produced one of the competition’s standout performances by taking gold in the Under-14 Girls division ahead of Mohamed Ahmed Zaka and Juliet Asaba.
In the Under-14 Open category, Egypt’s Mustafa Ahmed and Angola’s Nsimba Wela finished tied on points, but superior tiebreaks handed the Egyptian player the gold medal. Zambia’s Twalumba Sianyinda finished third.
Kenya’s WCM Elizabeth Cassidy Maina added another continental title to her growing achievements by winning the Under-16 Girls section, a year after claiming the Under-14 crown in Zimbabwe.
Uganda also celebrated success in the Under-16 Open category after sixth-seeded Alvin Muhirwa secured the championship with 7.5 points.
Egypt’s Zaki Mohamed won the Under-18 Girls title ahead of former champion Omprakash Sana, while Kenya’s Bella Nashipae took bronze.
The Egyptians ended the tournament strongly in the Under-18 Open division, where Ahmed Kandil and Eyad Elhusseiny secured gold and silver respectively, while Kennedy Shane claimed bronze.
Kenya brought the largest delegation to this year’s championship despite Egypt finishing top of the overall medal table.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
