Uganda Prisons secured a semifinal Spot at the ongoing East Africa Netball Club Championship in Zanzibar.
Dominantly, Prisons defeated KVZ of Zanzibar by 73-43 on Friday, May 16 at Amaan Indoor Stadium to seal the spot.
The Prisons Queens extended their unbeaten run in Group B to four wins, joining fellow Ugandan powerhouses NIC and KCCA in the knockout stage.
The match, which saw Prisons don their striking maroon kit with digital yellow and blue stripes while KVZ wore their green kit, was watched by a capacity crowd, creating an electric atmosphere as Zanzibari fans rallied behind their team.
The opening minutes were fiercely contested, with both sides trading goals. In the 12th minute, KVZ capitalized on a defensive error, their goal shooter securing a two-goal lead. The home side won the first quarter 14-13, sending the crowd into a frenzy with chants from the home fans, who booed the visitors.
However, Prisons stayed focused, playing with passion and purpose. They regrouped in the second quarter, seizing control with heightened intensity. Despite fierce resistance from KVZ’s evergreen attackers, the Ugandan defence, anchored by Stella Nanfuka, Sharon Pita, and Lillian Ajio, remained unyielding. Christine Kango Namulumba and Dorothy Tabia led the attack with precision, helping Prisons close the quarter at 30-22, an eight-goal advantage.
The third quarter saw Prisons extend their lead, with Sylvia Nanyonga replacing Sharon Pita at wing defense. Nanyonga’s introduction proved pivotal, as she disrupted KVZ’s attacking supply line, neutralizing their potent forwards.
Joyce Nakibuule and Joan Reykoboth dominated mid-court with versatile runs and pinpoint throws, feeding Kango and Tabia seamlessly. A defining moment came in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Stella Nanfuka made a world-class save, intercepting a long pass aimed at an unmarked KVZ goal shooter. The crowd rose in a standing ovation, acknowledging her brilliance. Prisons won the quarter 49-33, firmly in control.
In the final quarter, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. With the scoreline widening, many KVZ fans left the stadium, while others began cheering Prisons, won over by their creative and dominant play. Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Tausi Mumena, and Malisera Akello entered the fray, adding to the hosts’ woes.
Prisons sealed the 73-43 victory with relentless attacking and airtight defense, booking their semi-final spot.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- First Quarter: KVZ 14, Prisons 13
- Second Quarter: Prisons 30, KVZ 22
- Third Quarter: Prisons 49, KVZ 33
- Final Quarter: Prisons 73, KVZ 43
With a semifinal spot secured, Prisons face APR on Sunday, May 18, at 1:30 PM EAT to complete their Group B campaign. “This win shows our hunger and focus,” said Captain Kango. “We’re ready for the knockout stage and beyonnd”
