* Beat Namibia 50-45 in 3rd place play-off following a brilliant performance at the tournament
* Where they secured a place at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 along with Namibia, South Africa and Uganda
By Duncan Mlanjira
Malawi Queens have completed their campaign at the Africa Netball Cup-World Cup Sydney 2027 qualifier in Nairobi, Kenya, with a bronze medal having beaten Namibia 50-45 in 3rd place play-off.
The Queens finished their pool games in top form following a brilliant performance at the tournament and were officially confirmed World Netball as invited to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 along with Namibia, South Africa and Uganda.
South Africa and Uganda had already qualified based on netball world ranking despite their progression to the semifinals and the final.
The Malawi Queens, however, fell 46-62 to their fierce rivals, South Africa in semifinals yesterday in which they started strongly, through a 14–14 draw in the first quarter.
South Africa then took a 29-25 lead at half-time before extending their advantage to 46-35 after the third quarter and securing a 16-11 in the final quarter to make it 62-46 victory and a place in the final.
The Queens sealed qualification to Sydney in style with a crushing 82-22 win over Nigeria on Monday — a 60-goal margin — that followed earlier wins over Zambia 72-38 and hosts Kenya 55-47.
Malawi last finished 7th at the Netball World Cup Cape Town 2023 and will now make a return to the global stage in Sydney next year.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, President Arthur Peter Mutharika and First Lady Gertrude, have congratulated the Queens for the qualification, saying in a statement that the achievement is a demonstration of the country’s determination and talent.
“By claiming one of only three African slots, the Queens have proven that they are not just champions of Africa — they are global heavyweights.”
The First Couple commended the players, coaches, technical staff and supporters for their contribution and wished the Queens success as they prepare for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.—Additional reporting by Arkangel Tembo & Roy Howa, Malawi News Agency (MANA)
