Malawi Under-21 National Netball Team registered their third successive victory to keep their pursuit for a place at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup finals alive after defeating Tanzania 64-24 before narrowly beating Kenya 42-39 Tuesday.
The junior Queens struggled against Kenya possibly due to fatigue after playing another game in the morning.
Today the junior Queens face a daunting task when they meet free-scoring hosts South Africa as both sides battle for top two slots to book a ticket to Gibraltar for the world showpiece.
In the first two quarters, the junior Queens were given food for thought as Kenya matched them in all the departments.
Matelezi takes a shot
The first quarter ended 9-8 with the junior Queens leading and at half time Malawi were at the top 21-19.
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In the third quarter, the junior Queens started bossing the play with shooter Stella Matelezi converting chances into goals while Shabelo Bengo, who was named player of the match when the side beat Tanzania, was solid as a goal-defender.
Queens Assistant Coach Cecilia Mtukule Bondwe said it was a tight match.
“It was a tight match and we struggled in the first two quarters but when we changed formation to the v-shape our girls picked up,” Bondwe said.
The Assistant Coach said they will be ready for the hosts, South Africa, who hammered Kenya 70-16, Zambia 72-10, Zambia 75-7 and Zimbabwe 62-29.
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“South Africa are a tough team, probably the toughest of them all. However, we will prepare for them,” Bondowe said.
The hosts lead with eight points from four matches while the junior Queens were second with six points from three matches as we went to press.
