Malawi National Netball Team yesterday made a commanding start to their campaign at the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya with a comprehensive 71-38 victory over Zambia.
The Queens established their authority from the opening whistle, racing into a 19-6 lead at the end of the first quarter before maintaining their grip on the match.
They continued to dominate in the second quarter, extending their advantage to 37-19 at half-time.
Malawi remained in control after the break and increased the gap further to 53-28 by the end of the third quarter.
The Queens then finished strongly in the final quarter, adding 18 goals to Zambia’s 10 to complete a 33-goal victory.
Goal shooter Mwawi Kumwenda spearheaded Malawi’s attack, with support from goal attacker Thandie Galeta and wing attacker Takondwa Lwazi.
The starting seven also comprised Shabel Bengo at goalkeeper, Martha Dambo at wing defence, Galeta at goal attack, Aisha Gama at goal defence, Meria Soko at centre, Kumwenda at goal shooter and Lwazi at wing attack.
Malawi’s defensive unit also played a key role in restricting Zambia to just 38 goals, with Bengo, Dambo and Gama helping frustrate the Zambian attack throughout the match.
Malawi Queens coach Debbie Fuller in a post-match interview said the victory underscores the team’s wish to book a place in 2027 Netball World Cup.
The Africa Netball Cup is also a qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
South Africa and Uganda already secured their qualification as Africa top ranked two teams.
The Queens are hoping to secure one of the remaining two slots for 2027 Netball World Cup.
Their attention now turns to hosts Kenya as they continue their campaign.
