Eswatini impress, South Africa hold firm & Uganda edge Botswana in day two nail-biters

Day Two of the Africa Netball Cup 2025 on Tuesday delivered another round of gripping fixtures at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi, with tight score lines, spirited performances and strong tactical battles across both men’s and women’s divisions.

The arena once again filled early, with the crowd providing vibrant support as teams across the continent continued their quest for continental glory.

MEN’S MATCH: South Africa v Zimbabwe

Final Score: South Africa 42 – Zambia 38

South Africa faced a determined Zambia side in a physically demanding contest. Zambia pushed aggressively from the first centre pass and forced South Africa to work hard for every turnover. The reigning champions eventually held their composure in the final quarter, closing the match with precise decision-making and strong defensive pressure to secure a four-goal win.

Post-Match Reactions

Coach Talent Museka (Zimbabwe) said: “We played against the biggest team in Africa. The champions of Africa, it was a very tough match. We tried different combinations; the first combination worked well and I had to try another combination.”

Coach Jabulane Vilane (South Africa) added: “If you are the champions, you need to fight all the way. But I am happy to see Zimbabwe growing and playing good netball.”

MEN’S MATCH: Malawi v Eswatini

Final Score: Eswatini 44 – Malawi 42

Eswatini edged out Mali in one of the most dramatic encounters of the day. The match was tightly contested from start to finish, with neither side able to create a comfortable margin. In the final minutes, Eswatini capitalised on two key turnovers and displayed impressive calm under pressure to secure a narrow two-goal victory.

MEN’S MATCH: Botswana v Uganda

Final Score: Uganda 40 – Botswana 39

Uganda claimed a dramatic one-goal win over Botswana in a match that tested mental strength, fitness and tactical discipline. Botswana held promising phases of control but were unable to maintain concentration late in the match, allowing Uganda to surge ahead through sharp shooting and quick transitions.

Post-Match Reaction

Coach Neo Dema (Botswana) said: “I think it is about the better mental strength of players. When they are chasing the team, they lose a lot of concentration.”

WOMEN’S MATCH: Uganda v Zimbabwe

In another exciting women’s clash, Uganda pulled away after a balanced start to defeat Zimbabwe 59 – 38. The first quarter ended evenly at 12–12, but Uganda found their rhythm before halftime and dominated the second half with sharp shooting and solid defence. Zimbabwe fought hard but couldn’t match Uganda’s pace and precision as the She Cranes sealed a convincing win.

WOMEN’S MATCH: Malawi v South Africa

Final Score: South Africa 58 – Malawi 38

In a fiercely contested women’s fixture, South Africa held their nerve to overcome a spirited and youthful Malawi side. The hosts displayed impressive energy and confidence, challenging South Africa with their speed and new talent. South Africa, however, managed the key moments with maturity and defensive discipline to secure the victory.

Post-Match Reactions

Coach Jenny van Dyk (South Africa) said:

“The score is not a reflection of the actual game itself. Malawi came out guns blazing, with a lot of young talent that really challenged us today. I’m happy with how our players set up and how they aced the big moments and it’s not over yet.”

Coach Peace Chawinga (Malawi) added: “Today, they really played well and that is what I’m looking to see. The young ones showed that they are growing. We took time to settle in the first quarter.”