Kenya’s campaign at the 20th African Individual Chess Championship began on a mixed note in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with Sasha Mongeli clinching a vital win while her male teammates fell to higher-rated opponents.

Mongeli (1886) made a confident start in the Women’s Section, defeating Mauritius’ Chetanah Andhin (1585) in their Round 1 clash.

Tough starts

The Kenyan showcased strong middlegame strategy and capitalized on her opponent’s errors to secure the full point. However, the Open Section proved tougher for the men.

Robert Macligeyo (2047) was outplayed by Egyptian Ashraf Sherief (2264), while Kimani Kimingi (1911) lost to Algeria’s Ala Eddine (2136) in a tightly contested match.

Kenya is also represented in the tournament’s officiating team. IA Duke Michieka is serving as the chief arbiter, ensuring fair play and oversight at the prestigious event, which features 81 players from 17 African nations.

The competition, Africa’s premier chess event, is expected to span nine rounds and has drawn top talent from across the continent.

Top seeds dominate

The opening day saw commanding performances from the tournament’s favourites.

In the Open Section, defending champion GM Bassem Amin of Egypt comfortably defeated Morocco’s Chafik Idrissi on board one.

All top five seeds won their games, while Cameroon’s Hussel Donkeng held Zambia’s Chola Musonda to the only draw in the category.

In the women’s section, WGM Shrook Wafa crushed Uganda’s Shakira Ampaire with a decisive kingside attack.

Her sister, Shahenda Wafa, also impressed with a win against fellow Egyptian Noha Mahmoud. The only draw came from a tense match between Sarah El Barbry of Morocco and Egypt’s Hamsa Brk Abo.

Kenya’s representatives are expected back on the board for Round 2 as the action heats up in Cairo. With eight rounds remaining, the journey toward continental glory is just beginning.