Uganda’s She Cranes reignited their Africa Netball Championship campaign with a resounding 59–38 victory over Zimbabwe’s Gems, a statement win that sealed their place in the semifinals with a match to spare. The triumph in Lilongwe, Malawi, came after a cautious opening to the tournament, but Wednesday’s performance reminded the continent why Uganda remains a rising netball powerhouse.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru’s tactical shake-up proved decisive. The introduction of Kadondi Faridah and Norah Lunkuse injected fresh energy and precision, instantly shifting the tempo in Uganda’s favor. Their presence helped fortify the team’s structure, and the She Cranes quickly settled into a commanding rhythm.
The turning point came in the second quarter when Uganda’s defense tightened its grip, disrupting Zimbabwe’s flow and forcing turnovers. With improved coordination and sharper execution, the She Cranes outscored their opponents 26–20 in the first half and maintained full control from that moment onward.
Ayaa Gloria delivered a standout performance, anchoring the attack with confidence and composure. She was ably supported by the brilliance of Margaret Baagala, Shadia Nassanga, and Shaffie Nalwanja—each making key contributions as Uganda’s confidence surged through all four quarters. The team now turns its focus to Thursday’s group finale against Namibia, aiming to close the preliminary round in style.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, opened their own campaign with dramatic flair, clinching a nail-biting 40–39 victory over Botswana in an early-morning thriller. Their narrow win sets a promising tone as both Ugandan sides chase continental glory in Malawi.
