Malawi National Netball Team will face Uganda in a crossover semifinal today after beating Tonga 56-51 Thursday to remain in contention for a top five finish at the ongoing 2023 Netball World Cup finals.
In another crossover semifinal, hosts South Africa, who drew with world number two side New Zealand 48-48, will meet Tonga.
Winners of the two matches will fight for position five and six play-offs on Sunday.
Malawi Coach Samuel Kanyenda maintained the side that started in the team’s 70-46 loss to Australia, with shooter Joyce Mvula partnering goal attacker Mwawi Kumwenda while wing attacker Thandi Galeta and centre court Takondwa Lwazi were entrusted with keeping the supply lines running.
At the back, Kanyenda deployed wing defender Grace Mwafulirwa, goal defender Towera Vinkhumbo and goalkeeper Lauren Ngwira.
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It was sweet revenge for the Queens after Tonga beat them 54-41 at the PacificAus Series.
Malawi were without Mvula and Kumwenda at the tournament, which took place in Australia.
In Thursday’s action, the first quarter was evenly contested at 13-up with both teams giving their all.
However, the Queens had other ideas in the second quarter when centre Lwazi started supplying telling passes to Mvula, who was in top form and scoring at will.
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Kumwenda was also influential, feeding her teammate with timely passes and utilising chances that came her way.
Vinkhumbo made some vital interceptions in defence while Ngwira also cut off some passes but committed several contacts.
Malawi deservedly opened a 10-basket lead which forced Tonga to substitute Palavi Uneeq for experienced shooter Catherine Tuivach.
The move changed the complexion of the match as Tuivach gave the Queens defence a tough time, leading to a caution on Ngwira.
The Queens led 31-26 at half time.
In the third quarter, Queens pulled out Ngwira for Martha Dambo but lost steam after Kumwenda sustained an injury while her replacement Jane Chimaliro failed to cope with pressure.
The third quarter ended 46- 36, with the Queens still holding on.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Kumwenda returned to help see the team through a nervous ending.
Vinkhumbo was named player-of-the-match to emulate compatriots Mvula, Lwazi and Kumwenda, who won similar accolades in other matches.
Kanyenda said his charges struggled due to lack of endurance.
“If we had prepared thoroughly, we could not have been struggling in some of the games,” he said.
Vinkhumbo praised her teammates for helping her win the award.
Later in the evening, President Lazarus Chakwera congratulated the team for the win.— Story powered by PremierLoto & MNCS
