Malawi Queens impresses despite loss to N. Zealand in C’wealth games
Malawi Queens netball side received praise from BBC television commentators in their live second match of the Pool A Commonwealth games in Glasgow, Scotland on Friday despite losing narrowly to world champions New Zealand 47-50.
The Malawian youthful squad gave the Silver Ferns a good run in a match which commentators gave Malawi kudos for matching their opponents .
At full regulation time, Malawi – the world’s fifth-ranked team -had the rhythm and were about to equal the scores with goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda netting goal after goal.
Kumwenda was again the Queens’ go-to player, missing just one of her 39 shots and she helped her side to lead by two goals at different stages of the contest.
Tina Kamzati on the centre and Beatrice Mpinganjira provided a good combination to supply ball to towering Kumwenda and Sindi Simutowe. They played exceptionally well.
However, experience New Zealand players were so quick in their passes and took less time building attack into getting their goals.
By halftime Malawi held the champions to 25-all scores.
After the game, Kumwenda who plays for Taxtic in New Zealand was in tears as so too Kamzati.
“Kumwenda was absolutely outstanding,” remarked a BBC commentator.
Malawi Queens coach coach Mary Waya praised the progress her players had made , saying: “Last time, New Zealand were beating us by 20 to 30 baskets, but now it’s only three.”
The Queens opened the games with a win a 71-50 win on Thursday against Northern Ireland.
Malawi will play St Lucia on Saturday, Jamaica on Monday and wind up Pool A with a fixture against the hosts, Scotland on Tuesday
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