Eswatini dash Kenya's Net Kings’ hopes in 48-43 defeat

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenya Prisons goal attack Victor Mbithi was hoping for revenge against Eswatini, but the Net Kings’ attempt to settle an old score ended in another painful loss at the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi.

Kenya lost 48-43 to Eswatini at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Wednesday, September 23, finishing the men’s round-robin competition with just one victory.

For Mbithi, the match carried added emotion after Eswatini edged Kenya by one goal at last year’s tournament in Malawi.

“Today’s match was like a revenge,” noted Mbithi.

“We had poked Eswatini on TikTok after they beat us by one goal during last year’s edition in Malawi. After that loss, we told them when they come to Kenya we will prove them wrong.”

But the Net Kings could not complete their revenge mission.

Eswatini started strongly, taking a 15-9 lead after the opening quarter as Kenya struggled with misplaced and stolen passes.

Kenya improved in the second period but still went into halftime trailing 27-22.

Kenya mount late comeback

Coach Peter Oloo’s side produced their strongest spell in the third quarter.

Captain Julius Karanja’s interception helped spark the comeback, while Christovin Juma and Mbithi repeatedly found the target.

Kenya reduced the deficit to 31-28 and later 33-30 before Eswatini entered the final quarter with a 36-33 lead.

The momentum appeared to swing in Kenya’s direction early in the final period.

Juma’s scoring helped the hosts level the contest at 38-38 with 9:39 remaining, raising hopes of another comeback.

Kenya later moved within one goal at 44-43 through Juma, but Eswatini responded strongly to secure a 48-43 victory.

Mbithi admitted that Kenya’s inability to maintain their level throughout the match proved costly.

“We need to check on our patience and consistency because we led the second and third quarter only to lose the match,” he explained.

Net Kings face Malawi

The defeat left the Net Kings in the bottom two positions and ended their title hopes.

Kenya will face Malawi in the classification match for fourth and fifth place on Thursday, with the winner then meeting Uganda in the bronze-medal match on Friday.

For Eswatini, the victory was another boost after a tense contest.

Nduku Masangane noted that the atmosphere created by the home supporters made the match particularly demanding.

“It was a tight match, a tense one, and I am happy Eswatini won,” said Masangane.

“The victory is motivating to us because we managed to win by six goals after a draw at some point.”

While Mbithi’s revenge mission ultimately failed, Kenya still has one more match to salvage something from its men’s campaign.