Uganda’s She Cranes made history as they beat Malawi for the first time ever at the 2023 Netball World Cup on Friday, at the Cape Town International Conventional Center.
Fred Mugerwa‘s charges put up a character-filled display as they dispatched their opponents 57-46.
It was a hugely contested affair, typical of matches involving two African netball kingpins.
The opening quarter was a premium definition of competition as it ended tied at 14-14, with Shadiah Nassanga scoring nine goals and proving four assists
Headed into the break, Uganda were in a narrow 28-25 lead. At this point Nassanga was on 18 goals with Mary Nuba Cholhok on 10.
Margaret Baagala, who was only returning from an illness layoff which had her miss South Africa’s bout, had 13 assists by halftime.
By the end of the third quarter, Uganda were in a stronger position as they led 43-35, before eventually winning by 11 goals.
Nassanga, who won the Player of the Match for the third time at the tournament (the most), scored 38 times, adding 14 assists.
Shadiah Nassanga
The She Cranes have already bettered the previous editions as the worst they can clinch is a sixth finish.
In the past World Cups; Uganda finished seventh, eighth and 13th in 2019 (England), 2015 (Australia) and 1979 (Trinidad and Tobago), respectively.
Courtesy Photos
