Philip Amoako joins all-African team for 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championship

Ghana’s youngest-ever national chess champion, Philip Selikem Yao Amoako, has been selected to represent Team Mother Continent at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship in London.

The prestigious tournament, taking place from 10-16 June at Novotel London West, will see the brightest chess talents from across Africa unite under one banner.

Amoako, who made history in January by clinching Ghana’s national title at just 14-year-old,  joins the African lineup.

The team is captained by Botswana’s Goitsemodimo Makgatle and features rising stars like 13-year-old Nigerian sensation WCM Deborah Ebimobo-Ere Quickpen and Egypt’s FM David George Samir.

Also in the squad are Madagascar’s IM Fy Antenaina Rakotomaharo, Uganda’s FM Harold Wanyama, South Africa’s FM Banele Mhango and Libya’s Fouzi Ali Alshalwi and Aun O. A. Younis.

The African Chess Confederation rallied behind the team with an inspiring message: “Carry the pride of a continent. Play boldly. Let your passion shine.”

They also extended gratitude to WR Logistics, the team’s main sponsor, for turning the dream of an all-African chess team into reality. “Thank you, WR Logistics, for making the dream of Team Mother Continent a powerful reality.”

Why this matters

This marks a major moment for African chess, showcasing the continent’s growing influence in the global game.

With young talents like Amoako and Quickpen leading the charge, Team Mother Continent is set to make waves in London.