By Peter Fote in Cape Town, South Africa:
Malawi National Netball Team has refused to cast its face down following their defeat to world number one team Australia and, instead, the Queens vowed to fight tooth and nail to realise their top four finish dream.
The Queens put up a spirited display in the first two quarters but succumbed to the Diamonds 70-46 at Cape Town International Convention Centre Tuesday.
Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda said despite the loss, his charges can still break into the top four if they play their cards well.
“We will keep fighting as we face Tonga on Thursday [tomorrow] and then see how we will perform in the third phase,” he said.
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The former Blue Eagles Sisters coach blamed Malawi’s loss on inadequate preparations.
“We failed to maintain our pace and endurance. Australia were much more fit and never showed any signs of fatigue throughout the game. If we had prepared thoroughly we would have stopped them,” he said.
Australia-based shooter Mwawi Kumwenda, who plays for Melbourne Vixens, echoed the sentiments.
“We lost due to lack of proper camping. I told fellow players before the game to keep our normal game and pace but we did not last, especially in the last half. Australia kept pressing and we succumbed to that. It is something we should learn and have a long camp. We are a good team and I am happy with our performance today,” Mwawi, who scored more goals for the Queens during the match, said.
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The Queens must beat Tonga Thursday and hope that England lose two games including going down to Australia.
Third-ranked Roses, alongside the Diamonds, are favourites to qualify for the semi-finals from Pool B.
If the Queens lose to Tonga, they will be involved in classification matches to determine their overall positions.
Queens were a determined side as they were looking for the first win over Australia.
Moments before the game, State President Lazarus Chakwera virtually addressed the team and threw his support and, in response, Kanyenda and shooter Joyce Mvula promised to give their all.
The first quarter was evenly contested as the top ranked Diamonds led 16-13.
In the second quarter, the Queens threw their all, forcing Australia to commit errors.
At half time, sixth-ranked Queens had deservedly tied with the Diamonds 28-28.
However, Malawi lost grip of the game in the third quarter when the Diamonds used their experience and endurance to outclass the Queens.
Malawi’s mission was made worse after they lost the engine room and centre court Takondwa Lwazi to injury. She was replaced by makeshift Martha Dambo at the centre but things did not work as the team kept giving away unnecessary balls.
The coach also introduced Shabelo Bengo for Lauren Ngwira, who was a red-card risk after four successive cautions—Powered by PremierLoto & MNCS
