Semi-bound SA cruise against Botswana

Day Four of the Africa Netball Cup 2025 delivered yet another action-packed programme at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi, with teams across both divisions showing grit, physicality and tactical maturity as the competition edges closer to the decisive stages.

MEN’S MATCH: Botswana v Zimbabwe

Final Score: Zimbabwe 48 – Botswana 41

Zimbabwe continued their upward trajectory with a well-managed seven-goal victory over a determined Botswana side. Botswana started with intensity, matching Zimbabwe stride for stride in the opening phases. But Zimbabwe’s structure, patience and defensive organisation eventually allowed them to pull away, controlling the match in the second half.

Botswana fought hard to stay within reach, but crucial turnovers in the final quarter saw Zimbabwe close out the contest with confidence and precision. The win keeps Zimbabwe firmly in the race as the competition heats up.

WOMEN’S MATCH: Botswana v Tanzania

Final Score: Botswana 55 – Tanzania 35

Botswana delivered one of their strongest performances of the tournament, overpowering Tanzania with a commanding 20-goal victory in a physically demanding encounter. Tanzania’s unpredictable and high-energy style made the early stages tightly contested, but Botswana gradually found their rhythm and pulled away convincingly.

Coach Martha Mosoahle Samm (Botswana) shared her reflections after the win: “I think it was a very tough one. You know, Tanzania plays a different style of game and it is very difficult to analyse them, to plan against because they are quite physical. The physicality prepared us for the next games to come. I am happy with the win, a 20-goal margin win, even though we could have done better. Playing a half match today and yesterday was a bit of a hustle.”

Tanzania’s coach also weighed in after the defeat. Coach Hafsa Abdulrahim Ali (Tanzania) said:“I think we tried to play hard, to play well, but luck wasn’t on our side”.

Botswana’s impressive margin boosts their campaign heading into the tougher stages.

WOMEN’S MATCH: South Africa v Botswana

Final Score: South Africa 67 – Botswana 31

South Africa their dominant run with another commanding performance, overpowering Botswana by 36 goals to seal their place in the semifinals. From the first centre pass, South Africa controlled the pace, applied relentless defensive pressure and demonstrated the depth of their squad. The Spar Proteas top Pool 2 after winning all three of their matches, standing out as the only women’s team to go unbeaten in the Pool Stages.

Assistant Coach Zanele Mdoda (South Africa) praised the team’s progression: “Very happy with the way the players have showed in this competition. We know it’s going to get tough as we are reaching the business end of the competition, but we love to see that we can play all our players, all 12. In every game we have played we have been trying different combinations and we have seen some good combinations.”

Botswana’s coach acknowledged the challenge of facing a world-class South African side. Coach Martha Mosoahle Samm (Botswana) added: “Nothing went wrong. South Africa is a big team, I mean most of their players are playing international and they are a very experienced team. Botswana came knowing it’s going to be a tough one, but I am very proud of what my girls did.”

South Africa now advances confidently into the semifinals as their title charge gains momentum.

TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK

With South Africa booking their place in the semifinals and Zimbabwe strengthening their position, the race for knockout spots intensifies. Botswana showed resilience across both divisions, while Tanzania will look to regroup as the competition reaches its crucial turning point. 

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