Sweet revenge
In that priceless moment, as the Malawi Queens and Tonga were tied 13 all at the start of the second quarter in a pulsating Group F Netball World Cup encounter, came the turning point.
Goal shooter Joyce Mvula swung her arm and converted a basket and from then on, the Queens were in cruise control and went on to win the match 56-51.
While there were electrifying sights and sounds as Malawians celebrated that victory, the Queens did not have such luxury as they switched focus to their next assignment today against Uganda, who finished fourth in Group G while South Africa, who finished third in Group G face Tonga who finished fourth in Group F .
The winners will meet in a fifth-place match on Sunday.
In yesterday’s match, at some point in the second quarter, the Queens led by 10 baskets, but fizzled out and led 31-26 at half time.
The third quarter was played at high intensity. Two changes were made by Malawi with Laureen Ngwira paving the way for Martha Dambo while injured Mwawi Kumwenda was replaced by Sindi Simtowe. Malawi won 50-46.
Both teams engaged an extra gear in the last quarter and Malawi, led by goal defender Towera Vinkhumbo,who was named player of the match, thwarted Tonga’s desperate waves of attack and emerged out of the trenches bruised, but triumphant.
Queens coach Samuel Kanyenda hailed his charges for fighting from start to finish.
“Now we have to prepare for Uganda tomorrow [today],” he said.
On her part, Vinkhumbo said they still need to work on keeping possession.
