Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
PRETORIA – Zimbabwe lost 62-41 to Malawi in the first semi final of the Africa Netball World Cup Qualifiers at University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday afternoon.
Zimbabwe showed promise in the first three minutes, getting the first goal but Malawi which was strong in all departments wrestled back into the match to end the first quarter leading 14-8.
Malawi increased their dominance in the second quarter to go to halftime with a 32-18 lead.
Zimbabwe offered some resistance in the third quarter to finish the quarter 44-28 but Malawi managed the game well in the last quarter to end the match 62-41.
The win for Malawi means they have qualified for the Africa Netball World Cup slated for next year.
Zimbabwe assistant coach Tatenda Shinya said they are now hoping for South Africa to beat Zambia in the other semi final later on Friday so that the Gems face Zimbabwe which is less competitive.
“We are now hoping for South Africa to beat Zambia so that we face Zambia in the third place play off. Now we have to win the third place play off at all costs for us to qualify.”
Zimbabwe will face the loser between South Africa and Zambia who play the other semi final later Friday.
The third place play off is at 11:00 on Saturday.
