The She Cranes completed an unbeaten Pool 2 campaign at the Africa Netball Cup after overcoming Malawi 54-49 in their final group fixture at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, yesterday.
Uganda had earlier defeated Nigeria and Zambia before edging hosts Kenya to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.
The result secured Uganda a place in tomorrow’s semi-finals, where they will face the runners-up from Pool 1.
Pool 1 comprises South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania. By press time, South Africa and Namibia were the leading contenders, with their final group fixture scheduled for later yesterday.
The She Cranes will now turn their attention to the knockout stage, where the margin for error becomes smaller and consistency across all four quarters will be crucial.
Uganda’s unbeaten run has provided a strong platform heading into the semi-finals, but the next challenge will demand another disciplined performance as they bid to advance to the final.
The Africa Netball Cup has grown into one of the continent’s most important stages for national teams, combining the fight for continental supremacy with a pathway to the global competitions.
This year’s championship, being held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi has brought together 10 women’s teams, including Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania and debutants Nigeria.
Beyond the battle for the African crown, the women’s competition doubles as the African qualification pathway for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.