Queens in final
Malawi Queens yesterday recovered from a shaky semi-final start in the PacificAus Netball Series in Australia to beat Zambia 48-35 and set-up a final against in-form Tonga this afternoon.
With some glimpses of inferior complex seemingly tormenting their minds after a 46-50 loss to their 16th-ranked neighbours in Thursday’s inter-group match, the Queens had a slow start to the last-four clash as they allowed Zambia to come out of the blocks and lead by three baskets before they crawled back into the game to tie 10-all at the end of the first quarter.
Unlike in their previous match, the Queens took control of the second segment. With centre Takondwa Lwazi and wing-attacker Shira Dimba on fire with some crispy passes that frequently ended up being converted by experienced shooters Sindi Simtowe-Msowoya and Jane Chimaliro, it was not surprising that they took a 25-18 lead by the half-time break.
The world’s sixth-ranked Queens continued with their spirited display in the third stanza, maintaining the seven-basket lead.
With the Queens defenders Grace Mwafulirwa-Mhango, Martha Dambo and Laureen Ngwira almost impermeable in the last quarter, they stood firm to secure a 13-basket victory.
They face seventh-ranked Tonga, who are the only unbeaten side in the eight-team tournament, having registered five-straight wins including a 68-52 beating of Fiji in the other semi-final yesterday.
Former Queens centre Beatrice Mpinganjira hailed the team’s improved performance in an interview yesterday.
She said: “The Queens put up a gallant fight today; they had a few turnovers, had a handful of misplaced passes and they improved a lot in terms of mid-court movements.
“If they continue like this, they will win the final tomorrow.”
The Queens won all their three Pool A games. They beat Fiji 54-47, Papua New Guinea 64-49 and Samoa 57-39 to top the group before suffering their first loss to the Zambians in Thursday’s inter-group match.
Malawi are using the tournament to prepare for the 2023 Netball World Cup scheduled for July 28 to August 6 in Cape Town, South Africa.
In a post-match interview, Queens coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa hailed her charges for their fighting spirit.
She said: “We thank God for the win. The girls played according to instructions.
“However, we are still having problems in possession, but I’m glad that they are learning everyday.”
Commenting on the final, the coach said: “It has not been easy playing for six days without resting. Nevertheless, we go into the final with our eyes open knowing we dropped points in a game we lost.”
