Uganda She Cranes overcome Malawi scare to storm final | 2024 Africa Netball Cup

2024 Africa Netball Cup:

Semi-finals (Friday, 13^th December)

• South Africa 63-41 Zimbabwe
• Uganda 51-43 Malawi

It is official that Uganda She Cranes will play South Africa in a highly billed final of the 2024 Africa Netball Cup at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia on Saturday, 14^th December.

The grand finale fixture was confirmed after the epic semifinal duels played on Friday at the same venue.

In the early throw-off, South Africa sidelined Zimbabwe 63-41 during a one-sided duel.

The Proteas led the opening quarter 17-13 and extended the lead 34-21 at half-time.

It was 50-32 by the end of the third quarter with the final score reading 63-41 in favour of Vilane Jabulani’s charges.

The second semifinal that followed thereafter was won by Uganda She Cranes 51-43 over the Malawi She Flames.

The final scoreline for Uganda She Cranes can not depict the exact situation that happened during the contest with tense, highly tactical and physical contests.

Malawi bossed the opening quarter 14-8, capitalizing on the poor coordination between the Uganda players.

Goal Shooter Tendai Masamba was flawless as Lwazi Takondwa bossed the midcourt with tough man-marking skills from the Goal Defender Martha Dambo.

Uganda steadily clawed back to force a stalemate, 23 goals apiece, by the mandatory halftime break thanks to a tactical switch from the coaches when Sandra Nambirige replaced Hanisha Muhammad and Mercy Batamuliza came in for Joyce Nakibuule.

By the third quarter, Uganda led by a seven-goal margin (39-32) and completed the job in the final stanza to win 51-43.

The finale between Uganda and South Africa on Saturday is anticipated to be explosive and epic.

It is one contest that will demand the tactical apex of either technical bench as the players deliver to the best of expectations with minimal room for error.

Both South Africa and Uganda have won the championship on three occasions.

Uganda’s success arrived in 2014, 2017 and 2018.

Team Lineups:

Uganda:

GS – Mary Nuba
GA – Irene Eyaru

C – Margaret Bagala
WA – Joyce Nakibuule
WD – Gloria Aya

GD – Faridah Kadondi
GK – Hanisha Muhammad

Substitutes: Christine Nakitto, Christine Namulumba Kango, Shadia Nassanga, Sandra Nambirige, Mercy Batamuliza

Malawi:

GS – Masamba Tendai
GA – Ethiel Ngambi

C– Lwazi Takondwa
WA – Galeta Thandie
WD – Grace Mwafulirwa

GD – Martha Dambo
GK – Bengo Shabel

Substitutes: Aisha Gama, Florence Gamuka, Florence Jeke, Nancy Mwaulambo, Towera Vinkhumbo