Kenya open Africa Netball Cup with mixed fortunes in Nairobi

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Kenya opened the 2026 Africa Netball Cup with mixed fortunes in Nairobi on Saturday, September 19, as the Kenya Divas beat Nigeria 61-40 while the Net Kings fell 45-33 to Uganda at Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Ranked 21st in the world, the Divas established control from the opening quarter, taking a 19-9 lead before extending their advantage to 37-20 by halftime.

Nigeria responded in the third quarter, edging Kenya 12-10, but the hosts still carried a commanding 47-32 lead into the final period before completing the 61-40 victory.

Zimbabwe-based goal shooter Lydia Nyapere led Kenya’s attack, while 45-year-old captain Parin Simiyu marshalled the defence as the hosts rewarded a large home crowd with a strong opening display.

Divas target Malawi

Coach Tapiwa Chirenda said improved transition play was one of the key differences after he introduced new concepts during his first month in charge.

Simiyu also credited the home support and said the team had worked specifically on transitions in preparation for the tournament.

The Divas next face Malawi, ranked third in Africa behind South Africa and Uganda.

Nigeria coach Alison Akinrinola said her side, assembled following June trials, had gained valuable experience against one of the competition’s strongest opponents.

Nigeria trained in the United Kingdom and played a warm-up match against Eswatini men, while Kenya’s preparations were entirely local, with the team training at Kasarani Annex and Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Earlier, the Net Kings struggled to find their rhythm against Uganda, trailing 13-6 after the opening quarter and 25-15 at halftime.

Kenya briefly reduced the arrears to 28-21 before Uganda regained control to lead 38-25 after three quarters.

Uganda widens margin

Uganda widened the margin to 44-27 before a late Kenya rally, but the East African neighbours held on for a 45-33 victory.

Coach Peter Oloo acknowledged that Kenya was undone by errors, including misplaced passes, footwork and obstruction, while also questioning some umpiring decisions.

He said the Net Kings must beat Malawi in their next match.

Uganda coach Jesse Asiimwe said his side had learned from Ugandan clubs’ defeats by Ulinzi in May and had set their sights on the title after finishing fifth in 2025, one place behind Kenya.

Reigning champions South Africa beat Eswatini 43-36 in the other men’s match after trailing 22-14 at halftime.

In the women’s competition, South Africa began their title defence with an emphatic 89-22 victory over Tanzania, while Malawi beat Zambia 72-38 and Zimbabwe defeated Botswana 57-39.

The women’s tournament features 10 countries and doubles as the African qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

South Africa and Uganda have already secured qualification through their world rankings, leaving the other eight teams competing for the remaining two tickets.