Kenya’s Net Kings produced a stirring second-half comeback at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Sunday, beating Malawi 52-39 to register their first victory at the Africa Netball Cup, while the Kenya Divas suffered their first setback after losing 55-47 to the same opponents.
The contrasting results gave Kenya a mixed return on the second day of the eight-day championship, which brings together some of the continent’s leading men’s and women’s netball sides.
The Net Kings had to fight back after Malawi took a narrow advantage into the break. Kenya started brightly, edging the opening quarter 14-13, but Malawi responded with a 12-10 second-quarter win to lead 25-24 at halftime.
Kenya raised the tempo after the restart and gradually turned the contest in their favour. The Net Kings won the third quarter 12-7 before completing the comeback with another 12-8 advantage in the final period.The victory was a welcome response to Saturday’s 45-33 defeat by Uganda and gives Kenya momentum heading into their next assignment against South Africa on Monday at 10am.The Kenya Divas, however, could not replicate that success against Malawi despite a determined effort in the closing stages.
Malawi established control early, winning the opening quarter 15-9. Kenya improved in the second period, but Malawi still held a 28-24 lead at halftime. The visitors then extended their advantage by taking the third quarter 13-9, leaving the Divas eight goals adrift heading into the final period.Kenya saved their strongest performance for the closing quarter, but Malawi held firm as the teams shared the period 14-14, securing a 55-47 victory.
The result ended the Divas’ perfect start after they defeated Nigeria 61-40 on the opening day.Kenya and Malawi are competing in Pool 2 alongside Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria, with the top two teams advancing to the finals stage. Pool 1 comprises South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania.
The women’s competition carries added importance as it doubles as the African regional qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. Two places remain available to African teams, with South Africa and Uganda already assured of their places through their world ranking.With the championship running until September 26, Kenya’s two teams now face different tasks: the Net Kings will look to build on their recovery, while the Divas must regroup quickly as the race for the knockout stage gathers pace.
