Malawi National Netball Team won the battle but lost the war against Uganda after anchoring the four-team Vitality Netball Nations Cup 2025 in the United Kingdom.
The Queens went down to Uganda 45-50 to miss a bronze medal at Copper Box Arena in London yesterday.
The loss came a week after the Queens stunned Uganda, beating the She Cranes 59-45 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
It was Malawi’s first win over Uganda since 2019.
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A lot was expected from the Queens, especially as they narrowly lost to Spar Proteas of South Africa 55-58 Saturday.
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Despite taking an early lead, lack of mental toughness and height disadvantage took their toll as they ended up playing a chasing game.
The Queens panicked unnecessarily, giving away turnovers and, at some point, needless contacts, leading the team to get penalties.
Malawi’s top shooter Joyce Mvula had a day of mixed fortunes but she lost steam in the third quarter while goal-attack Ethel Ng’ambi was in superb form but height prevented her from getting rebounds.
In defence, the Queens were nervous, conceding contacts which handed Uganda advantage.
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The Queens lost goalkeeper Tendai Masamba for two minutes due to suspension.
At centre court Takondwa Lwazi and wing-attack Thandie Galeta also had a day of mixed fortunes, delivering telling passes into the ring and giving away turnovers at some point.
Malawi started promisingly in the first quarter when they led 14- 11 but Uganda recovered to lead at half time 26-23.
It was a tight third quarter as the Queens, ranked seventh in the world, pushed the number-six-ranked side. The quarter ended with the Queens trailing narrowly 37-38.
In the fourth quarter, nervousness crept in and Queens defenders had a torrid time to contain She Cranes top shooter Mary Cholhok Nuba.
At the end of the competition, it meant the Queens had lost three games but won once whereas Uganda who also lost three matches and won once bowed out with bronze medals.
Queens co-coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa said it was unfortunate that they lost the game.
“We have lost our final game against Uganda which we should have won; but unfortunately, we lost. But we have drawn many positives from this game and series as well. We came here with a plan which was to see the team improving and we are improving,” she said.
