Malawi Queens yesterday put up a gallant fight against South Africa but it was not good enough to end the Proteas dominance as they lost 55- 58 in Vitality Netball Nations Cup at Copper Box Arena in London, United Kingdom.
A fierce battle ensured in the first quarter as the Queens tried to put the South Africans at bay.
But the Proteas underscored their superiority over the Queens as they led 13-15 at the end of the first quarter.
The second one was another high-end action packed as midway through the stanza, the two sides tied at 22.
However, the Proteas managed to stay above the Queens to finish the half with a 28-31 lead.
The third quarter was also a battle of wits as the two sides used their entire arsenal to tactically outsmart each other.
An injury to Queens centre Takondwa Lwazi led to the player being briefly treated outside the court, further exposing the team to South Africa onslaught.
No wonder, the Proteas went on win it as well with a six-goal difference as it ended 40-46.
The last quarter saw the Queens trying to stage a comeback, but they only managed to narrow the gap to three goals at the sound of the last whistle.
In post-match interviews Queens co-coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua praised her players despite the loss.
She said: “Yes we have lost, but with honour. The girls fought a good battle.
“In the previous games we were losing with a 30 goals margin. But today we lost with three goals. We could even have drawn. So I am happy with the performance.”
The result means the Queens have one win against Uganda and two losses to England and South Africa.
They face either Uganda or England in the third place play-offs.
