CNA Chess Club tightens grip on National League after crushing Western Express

CNA Chess Club reaffirmed their dominance in the National Chess League with a commanding 5-1 victory over Kenyan giants Western Express, extending their unbeaten run and tightening their hold at the top of the table.

The defending leaders now boast 19 match points and 33 game points, holding a slim one-point advantage over second-placed Kireka A with just five rounds remaining.

CNA captain Simon Gonza emphasized his team’s focus and consistency. “We treat every match like a final. That mindset has kept us consistent from the start, and we intend to keep pushing until the last round,” he said.

Kireka A kept the pressure on with an emphatic 5-1 demolition of fifth-placed Gambit, ensuring the title race remains alive. Third-placed Kireka Panthers were forced to dig deep to edge Kireka Salty 3.5–2.5, while Mulago Kings cruised past Crestals 5-1 to stay in contention.

The league table remains razor-tight, with just a single point separating the top five sides—a reflection of how fiercely competitive this season has been.

Uganda Chess Federation president Emmanuel Mwaka praised the intensity of the competition, linking it to Uganda’s growing reputation on the continental stage. “The competitiveness you see here explains why Uganda has been excelling regionally. This league is the strongest in East and Central Africa, and I am proud of the progress,” he noted.

The 2025 season concludes in November, with the eventual champions set to walk away with a prize of over sh10 million.