Malawi Queens began their 2024 Africa Netball Championship campaign on an impressive note following a 52-39 beating of neighbours Zambia in their Group A opener in Swakopmund, Namibia.
The victory ended the Malawi National Netball Team’s three-game losing streak, after losing to South Africa’s Spar Proteas in three Test Series in Johannesburg.
Yesterday’s win has also rekindled the Queens’ dominance over Zambia, who stunned them 50-46 at the 2023 PacificAus Sports Netball Series in Australia.
However, the World Netball’s seventh-ranked Queens expect a tougher assignment this evening when they face fifth-ranked South Africa before concluding their group matches against Kenya on Thursday.
In an interview, Queens’ co-coach Mary Waya hailed her charges for a good performance.
“Overall, we played very well in today’s game. Of course, we struggled in some areas, but such shortfalls were inevitable being our first game,” she said.
In the absence of overseas-based shooters Joyce Mvula and Mwawi Kumwenda-Mbwana up front, rookies Nancy Mwaulambo and Ethel Ng’ambi were up to the task as they rarely missed baskets.
The two were well-supported by recalled experienced stars, centre Takondwa Lwazi-Chiwaya, wing attacker Thandie Galeta, wing defender Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango, goal defender Martha Dambo and goalkeeper Towera Vinkhumbo-Nyirenda.
Yesterday, the Queens led 14-7 in the first quarter before increasing the tally to 32-17, 43-25 and 52-39 in the subsequent segments.
At the continental championship, Malawi Queens are expected to fight for the crown and wrestle back the world netball’s sixth-ranking, which they recently lost to Uganda
