The battle for the Rainbow Paints Blantyre and Districts Netball League championship has been left wide open after First Choice Tigresses fought back to snatch a 41-all draw against champions Kukoma Diamonds at Blantyre Youth Centre on Saturday.
It was a tight game which could have gone either way.
Both teams put up a spirited performance in their quest to win the match.
Tigresses Coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa started with goal-shooter Sindi Simtowe, goal-attacker Brenda Kapira and wing attacker Flora Chipeta in attack while Cathy Khofi was at centre court.
Wing-defender Irene Kazembe, goal-defender Martha Dambo and goalkeeper Beauty Basiao were deployed at the back.
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On the other hand, Diamonds also named a strong squad with goal-shooter Grace Chazungulira, goal-attacker Jessica Mazengera-Sanudi and wing-attacker Bridget Kumwenda linking in attack.
In defence, Diamonds had goalkeeper Shabelo Bengo, goal-defender Wezzie Mzembe-Msisya and wing defender Annabel Phiri.
The first quarter ended 10-up but Diamonds came strongly to lead 24-19 at half time.
At the end of the third quarter, Diamonds were leading 34-19.
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However, Tigresses were not outdone as they fought back to level the game.
During the match, Chawinga-Kaluwa made a tactical substitution by introducing Florence Chirwa for Kazembe while Diamonds were forced to replace injured Mzembe-Msisya with Linda Mvula.
Chawinga-Kaluwa was confident that her charges could win the title.
“Our chances of winning the league are high because we are at par which means the one who wins all the games takes the trophy. The youngsters are becoming what I wanted them to become. We were outstanding but Brenda, Flora and Cathy were very impressive.
“I am a happy person seeing what I have been building taking the shape I wanted. This really gives me joy,” she said.
Diamonds Coach Noel Mussa said they let the match slip through their fingers.
“It was a tough game but we were able to control it during the second and third quarters. We gave away the ball needlessly in the last quarter to surrender the lead,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prison Queens, who defeated Chilomoni Sisters 51-36, are leading the table with 12 points whereas Diamonds lie second with 11 points. Third placed Tigresses have 11 points but they have an inferior basket difference.
Imosys have 10 points from six games.
The leaders have played seven games while the other top four teams have played a game less each.
In other games, Shizaella Queens defeated Chileka Sisters 45-30 while Mubas beat Gerald Tasaukadala Sisters 44- 16.
Blantyre Tremors beat Airforce Sisters 43-31.
