Sweet Revenge! The Malawi Netball Team, Queens have beaten continental rivals, South Africa’s Spar Proteas 58-51 in their opening game of the World Netball Cup at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia.
Inspired by New Zealand-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda who has just returned to national duty after a year in hibernation, the Queens put up a vintage show.
They led by 14-12 baskets in the first quarter, 27-22 in the Second quarter, 41-37 in the third quarter and smiled with a 58-51 victory at the end of the fourth quarter.
The match Friday morning was not just about the ongoing tournament, but also about showing each other who holds bragging rights in Africa.
Having lost to the Proteas five times on the trot and recently losing their top spot in Africa, the win also shows the Queens’ wish to reclaim their position.
The next engagement for the Queens will be against Sri Lanka on Saturday at 11.15am and will face Singapore in the last preliminary round match on Sunday at 10.15am.
At least 16 national teams will be battling it out in the international contest. Africa will be represented by Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. Previously, only Malawi and South Africa represented the continent at the event.
The African nations will be hunting for the crown against top-ranked teams Australia (number one), New Zealand (number two), England (number three) and Jamaica (number four)
