Kenya Divas face Zambia in crucial netball World Cup qualifier

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenya Divas face an acid test against Zambia on Wednesday, September 23, as the battle for the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 Women’s Netball World Cup intensifies at the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi.

Zambia kept their hopes alive with a 63-44 victory over Nigeria on Tuesday, setting up a decisive encounter with the hosts.

The tournament doubles as a World Cup qualification event, with South Africa and Uganda already assured of places at the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, Australia, through their World Netball rankings. Two additional teams from the eight remaining nations will secure qualification.

In a post-match interview, Zambia head coach Lazarus Tembo said the victory over Nigeria provided an important platform ahead of the Kenya match.

“This win is very big, positive for us as we go into the game against Kenya which is very important for us to stay in contention for the World Cup,” said Tembo.

Captain Beauty Nakazwe acknowledged the competitiveness of the Nigeria match but said the team was prepared for the pressure of playing the hosts.

“It was not an easy game. It was very competitive and we are happy to have won it,” said Nakazwe. “Tomorrow, we will be playing Kenya. I think we are going to work on mistakes we made today so that we win against Kenya.”

Nigeria centre player Aramide Ajayi noted that her team had gained valuable lessons despite the defeat, particularly from adapting to umpiring decisions.

“It was a very challenging game, but everyone pushed. Our team energy was very good and I am happy. Adjusting to umpire calls is definitely something we have learned from the match,” she said.

Divas seek return to winning ways

Coached by Zimbabwean Tapiwa Chirenda, with Evelyn Jerono as assistant, Kenya Divas opened their campaign with a 61-40 victory over Nigeria on September 19 before losing 55-47 to Malawi the following day.

Their meeting with Zambia will therefore carry significant importance as teams compete for positions in the knockout stages and the remaining World Cup berths.

The women’s competition features 10 teams divided into two pools. Pool One consists of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania, while Pool Two contains Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya Divas and debutants Nigeria.

Net Kings face decisive Eswatini clash

Meanwhile, the men’s competition has already produced one finalist, with defending champions South Africa reaching the final after beating Malawi 50-40 on Tuesday.

South Africa have won all four of their matches against Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.

Kenya Net Kings will meet Eswatini on Wednesday in a decisive match. Kenya have one win and two defeats, while Eswatini have one loss and two wins. A Kenyan victory would leave the final qualification position to be determined by goal difference, with South Africa already assured of their place.

Eswatini strengthened their position by beating Uganda 41-38 on Tuesday. They led 21-18 at half-time and 30-27 entering the final quarter before holding on for victory.

Eswatini coach Vilane Jabulani credited tactical changes and video analysis for the result, while Uganda assistant coach Abalo Florence said her side failed to convert opportunities despite periods of strong play.

The men’s tournament features South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Eswatini, setting up a decisive final round as teams chase a place alongside the defending champions.