Amid captivating sights and an electric atmosphere, the 2025 Africa Netball Cup rolled into life last night at Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe yesterday.
The Malawi National Netball Team also got off to a flying start following a 46-42 victory over Botswana in the official opening match.
The visitors started the match on a high and matched the hosts in many departments.
Botswana narrowly led 11-10 at the end of the first quarter.
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The Queens came back a changed side upped the game, with Takondwa Lwazi and Joyce Mvula dictating things. in the second quarter as they
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It was an improved performance from the hosts but, somehow, they wasted some chances.
At half time, Malawi were leading 24-23.
Come the third quarter, the hosts stretched their lead to 36- 31.
The Queens saved the best for the last quarter and took the game to Botswana. Botswana, on the other hand, made some changes to overturn the match but the Queens were too good for them.
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In another Pool One match, South Africa delivered a solid performance as they defeated Tanzania 104-25.
Malawi and South Africa will renew their rivalry at 5pm this evening in a Pool One match.
This evening’s match will be a potential decider for Pool One.
The top two teams in each pool will qualify for the semi-finals.
The number one-ranked team in Pool One will face the second ranked team in Pool Two and vice versa.
Before the match, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Patricia Wiskes said netball had power to bring African nations together.
“This tournament represents excellence, discipline and the shared dream of elevating African netball to even greater heights,” she said.
On her part, Africa Netball acting President Rebeka Goagoses said Africa had a lot of potential.
“The tournament has started on a good note,” she said.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) President Vitumbiko Gubuduza said the matches had started on a high note.
A live music performance and traditional dances spiced up the event.
Nine countries—including hosts Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania and eSwatini—are participating in the tournament.
The tournament is expected to be concluded this coming Sunday.
