Malawi National Netball Team kept its quest for a medal at the Africa Netball Cup 2024 alive with a 60-30 drubbing of Kenya at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia on Thursday.
The Queens finished second in Pool 1 with four points behind leaders South Africa, who amassed six.
The Queens were yet to know their semifinal opponents following the tight affair in Pool 2. This is after Namibia narrowly edged Zimbabwe 42-41 to level the log table standings in the group.
Three teams in the group, namely Zimbabwe, Namibia and Uganda, finished with four points each. As we went to bed, the organisers were analysing goals conceded and scored for each side to determine who proceeds to the semifinals.
Uganda were tipped to top the group. Seventh-ranked Malawi were Kenya who are ranked 26th. Queens co-coaches Mary Waya and Peace Chawinga- Kalua maintained the same team which lost to South Africa 65-35 on Tuesday.
First Choice Tigresses goal shooter Tendai Masamba started ahead of shooter of the moment Nancy Mwaulambo, whereas goal attacker Ethel Ng’ambi also retained her place.
Captain Towera Vinkhumbo kept her position in goalkeeping while wing defender Grace Mwafulirwa and goal defender Martha Dambo were also maintained. Centre court Takondwa Lwazi and wing attacker Thandie Galeta were the other familiar names in the team.
The Queens quickly stamped their authority on the East Africans and led 33-18 at half time.
At the start of the third quarter, Malawi substituted Vinkhumbo, Mwafulirwa and Masamba for Shabel Bengo, Aisha Gama and Mwaulambo, respectively.
The quarter ended with the Queens leading 46-23. There were more changes in the fourth quarter, with Florence Gamuka taking over centre court from Lwazi, who was shifted to wing attack after Galeta’s substitution. Rising shooter Cynthia Khunga also replaced Mwaulambo while Masamba came on for Ng’ambi before Malawi wrapped up the match in style with two wins out of three.
Waya applauded her charges for following instructions.
“They started strongly and opened a huge lead in the opening stages. But it is all over now and we must shift our attention to the next match. The challenge ahead is quite tough but we will be ready,” she said.
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