By Peter Fote in Cape Town, South Africa:
Malawi National Netball Team escaped from the jaws of defeat when they came from behind to narrowly beat stubborn Scotland 55-49 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa Friday night.
Six-ranked Queens were heading for a disappointing opener as they trailed the 10th ranked Scotland in the first three quarters.
However, the Queens turned around the tide in the last two quarters before nailing the win in the last quarter.
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In attack the Queens were jittery with Melbourne Vixens shooter Mwawi Kumwenda and goal-attacker Jane Chimaliro failing to combine while the defence was shaky and disjointed with goalkeeper Lauren Ngwira having a day of mixed fortunes.
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Queens interim coach Samuel Kanyenda was forced to substitute Kumwenda for Joyce Mvula as the Thistles led 11-2 at some point in the first quarter.
Mvula’s presence helped stabilise the attack but lost the first quarter battle as the Scots led 17-9.
It was a similar case in the second as Scotland piled pressure forcing Kanyenda to withdraw captain Jane Chimaliro for Kumwenda who came with a different improved performance.
At half time, the Queens were trailing Scotland 29-22.
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In the third quarter, Malawi upped its game to narrow Scotland’s lead to six baskets as the quarter ended 41-35 in favour of the Thistles.
Malawi finished the fourth quarter in style as Scotland heavily panicked following the Queens’ relentless attacks.
Even when wing defender Grace Mwafulirwa was taken out for some minutes following a series of contacts [fouls], the Queens increased with Mvula scoring several baskets to deservedly be named player of the match.
Kanyenda admitted that it was a hard-fought win.
“I have respect for the Scottish team. I knew that they will come hard on us but endurance is their main problem. Our players were determined to carry the day so they fought hard,” he said.
Queens will meet third-ranked England this evening before dating Barbados tomorrow to conclude Group B matches.
Meanwhile, Kanyenda said they expect a different game against England this evening.
“They do not falter. They are stronger than Scotland. We need to close them down,” he said.—Powered by Premier Loto & MNCS
