Net Kings beat Malawi as Kenya Divas fall in Africa Netball Cup

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenya experienced contrasting results on the second day of the 2026 Africa Netball Cup at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Sunday, with the Net Kings recovering from their opening loss to Uganda by beating Malawi 52-38, while the Divas lost 55-47 to Malawi in the women’s competition.

The Net Kings bounced back strongly after suffering a 45-33 defeat to Uganda on Saturday.

Malawi made the better start, taking a 3-1 lead, but Kenya quickly settled and turned the contest into a closely fought battle. The hosts edged the opening quarter 14-13.

Malawi responded in the second quarter, reclaiming the advantage and taking a 25-24 lead into the interval after winning the period 12-10.

Net Kings find their rhythm

Kenya returned from halftime with greater purpose, levelling at 25-25 before gradually pulling away through improved defensive work and more effective attacking combinations.

The Net Kings ended the third quarter 36-33 in front and maintained their momentum in the final period.

Net Kings players practise ahead of their match against Malawi at Kasarani Indoor Arena. Photo/Newsflash Reporter

Although Malawi briefly cut the deficit to two goals at 34-36, the introduction of fresh players helped Kenya maintain their intensity. The hosts moved ahead 44-37 and eventually completed a 52-38 victory after Malawi lost a player through an ejection.

Christovin Juma was Kenya’s leading scorer with 38 goals.

Coach Peter Oloo attributed the turnaround to the team’s analysis of their opening loss.

“Having lost our first match against Uganda, we had to sit down and review video footage and make an analysis of where we made mistakes,” Oloo pointed out.

He added that tactical adjustments and fresh legs were important in helping Kenya maintain their tempo.

Juma said the victory had lifted the team’s confidence after their disappointing start.

A Net Kings player speaks to a journalist before their match against Malawi. Photo/Newsflash Reporter

“We went back to the drawing board and told the team that we have to wake up as a team,” he said.

South Africa also registered a 47-40 victory over Uganda earlier on Sunday. Uganda captain Eppa Richard Eric blamed late mistakes for the loss, while South Africa captain Eugene Sinxezi said his team had recovered from a slow opening to find their rhythm.

Divas fall to Malawi

In the women’s contest, Malawi maintained the lead throughout but had to withstand determined resistance from Kenya.

The Malawians led 30-25 before opening a 34-29 advantage. The match was then interrupted at 2.51pm because of a blackout at Kasarani, with play resuming at 3.14pm after the lights were restored.

Malawi went into the final quarter leading 41-33 and managed to keep Kenya at bay to secure a 55-47 victory.

Despite the loss, Kenya captain Parin Simiyu welcomed the improved performance, pointing out that previous defeats to Malawi had come by margins of more than 20 goals.

“I am really impressed with my team because previously there was no time Malawi has beaten us with a gap of below 20 goals. Today, we lost by seven goals,” said Simiyu.

The Malawi Ladies captain described the match as difficult and praised Kenya’s progress, while the Malawi coach termed it an “amazing contest”, highlighting the Kenyan team’s height, strength, dynamic players and tactical approach.

Kenya coach Tapiwa Chirenda said the Divas had gained important lessons but questioned the consistency of officiating.

“I have never complained about umpiring, but when it comes to big teams I feel they need to give us a fair chance. It is the consistency that I am worried about,” said Chirenda.

The Divas, ranked 21st in the world, will next face sixth-ranked Uganda, while the Net Kings prepare for a meeting with defending champions South Africa.

The men’s competition features Kenya, Uganda, Eswatini, Malawi and defending champions South Africa in a round-robin format, while the women’s event features 10 teams competing for two qualification places.

South Africa and Uganda have already qualified for the 2027 Netball World Cup through the world rankings.