Malawi Queens came out on top against the Spar Proteas beating them 47-42 after the two top teams in Africa battled it out in the four nations Netball Diamond Challenge in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday night.
Malawi Queens led South Africa for the better part of the 47-42 beating in the jam-packed Heartfelt Arena, as the crowd witnessed an outstanding display of international netball.
Inspiring Chrisna Bootha was back as South Africa’s goal shooter and had a shaky start after missing the two previous games with flu. The tight first quarter ended 12-10 in favour of the Queens as neither side was willing to give an inch.
While they were never able to close the gap, the Proteas adapted to the quicker style of play and seemed to settle down as the Malawians continued to exert pressure.
With the possession balanced between the two sides, Malawi Queens went into the half-time break with a three point lead, at 24-21. Their lead increased to ten goals at one point in the third quarter, with South Africa missing regulation goals on several occasions.
Earlier, Botswana edged out Zambia by 59 goals to 41 and both teams meet the same opponents again on Saturday while the Proteas get another shot at the big guns when they meet Malawi in the tournament final at 1.40pm.
