The 13th African Games, an ‘every-four-years’ multisport event, recently kicked off, demonstrating the colorful variety and competitive drive within the African continent. As one of the largest sporting gatherings, it not only provides a platform for athletes across disciplines but also becomes a stage for promoting unity among African nations.
The African Games is not merely a chess competition, it is a valuable opportunity for players to gain international exposure and recognition. Players emerge as ambassadors, contributing to the global narrative of African excellence in chess. In a broader context, the tournament plays a pivotal role in promoting chess growth across the continent. By providing a stage for top-tier competitions, it inspires aspiring chess players and contributes to elevating chess as a sport of choice. The impact extends beyond the tournament itself, influencing grassroots initiatives and chess programs nurturing the next generation of grandmasters.
With the support of FIDE, the 13th African Games aims to elevate chess beyond a mere game, transforming it into a symbol of unity, intellect, and sporting brilliance on the continent. The significance of chess within this grand sporting event underscores its enduring appeal and its role in shaping the cultural and competitive field of Africa’s different nations.
14 countries participated in the 13th African Games and the different countries were represented by 2 players each;
:
Uganda
- Peninah Nakabo
- FM Harold Wanyama
Zambia:- WFM Constance Mbatha
- IM Mwali Chitumbo
Ivory Coast:- WCM Marie Yavo Tchetche
- Nicholas Cogan
Mozambique:- WIM Vania Fausta Da Trindade
- CM Donaldo Luis de Palva Mulatinho
South Africa:- WIM Jesse February
- FM Banele Mhango
Botswana:- WCM Natalie Katio Banda
- FM Gomolemo Rongwane
Angola:- WFM Junior Ednasia
- IM David Silva
Zimbabwe:- Linda Shaba
- FM Jemusse Zhemba
Nigeria:- Peace Samson
- FM Kigigha Lovet
Egypt:- WGM Shehenda Wafa
- GM Bassem Amin
Algeria:- IM Adlane Arab
- WIM Lina Nassr
Madagascar:- IM Fy Antenaina Rakotomaharo
- Aina Mahasambatra Tsinjoviniavo
Ghana A:- Cephas Clinton Fomevor
- Gertrude Banini
Ghana B:- Frempong-Smart Daniel
- Maud Benson
Ghana C:- Akpa Prince
- WFM Ayiku, Angela Naa Amerly
Sao Tome & Principe:- Sergio Pereira
- Izdora Lourenco Lima
Equatorial Guinea:- Manuel Envo Engnga Avomo Pedro
- Yolanda Mangue
As the chess battles unfolded, Algeria made their presence known with a strong showing just behind Egypt. IM Adlane’s development and composed behaviour made the competition more interesting. Despite a draw with Egypt, Algeria faced a setback with a loss to South Africa. WIM Jesse February‘s victory and “Best Junior” Banele‘s hard-fought draw boosted South Africa‘s medal aspirations. However, Madagascar thwarted those hopes, securing bronze with a final-round draw against South Africa in the mixed team event.
Peace Samson and Kigigha Lovet from Nigeria lost twice to Algeria and Madagascar, they won four games against Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Uganda and Botswana, and played a draw against Ivory Coast. Their performance caused a major upset when they defeated Zambia.
Despite finishing in the seventh position, Botswana (Gomolemo Rongwane and Natalie Banda) refused to be pushovers and they made sure that their opponents would sweat for the crucial points.
The game ended with Peace Sampson finishing well with 1.5/2 points in the final ranking after 9 rounds. winning a bronze medal in the female individual blitz event that also motivated Kigigha Lovet also as the pair went on and grabbed the bronze medal in the blitz mixed team event. According to reports, the last time Nigeria won a medal in chess at the African Games was at the 2011 African Games in Maputo, Mozambique when Bunmi Olape and Oluwatobiloba Olatunji won gold medals in the men’s team board performance and women’s team board performance respectively.
