SWAKOPMUND: The Debmarine Desert Jewels, Namibia’s national senior women’s netball team, fell to Uganda 43-55 in a challenging encounter at the Africa Netball Cup 2024, held at the MTC Dome. Despite the loss, the team showcased their resilience against the world’s seventh-ranked team in a fast-paced match that kept spectators engaged. The Africa Netball Cup continues to see intense competition as both women’s and men’s teams vie for top positions.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Desert Jewels kicked off their campaign with a victory over Eswatini, winning 58-48. However, their subsequent match against Uganda posed a significant challenge. The Namibian team lost possession in the first quarter, allowing Uganda to gain an early lead of 11-15. The second quarter saw Uganda extending their lead, scoring 17 goals to Namibia’s 12, concluding the half at 23-32.
In the third quarter, Namibia, ranked 19th globally and sixth in Africa, demonstrated their ability to challenge Uganda, the continent’s second-rank
ed team. The Namibian defense effectively contained Uganda’s prominent shooter, Cholhok Nuba, forcing errors and limiting Uganda to 12 goals while scoring 10 themselves. Despite their efforts, Namibia missed opportunities to capitalize on turnovers, ending the quarter 33-44.
The final quarter presented Namibia with a brief player advantage when Uganda’s goalkeeper was temporarily benched. However, Namibia only managed to score one goal from the turnover. Uganda’s wing defense also faced a temporary suspension, but the Desert Jewels could not fully exploit these opportunities. With Mwale Mulenamaswe and Cornelia Mupenda fortifying the defense, Namibia restricted Uganda to 11 goals, scoring 10 themselves, resulting in a final score of 43-55.
In Pool Two, Namibia currently holds third place with two points, while Zimbabwe leads with four points. Uganda is second, also with two points, and Eswatini remains without a point. In Group One, South Africa leads with four points, followed by Zambia and Malawi with two
points each. In the men’s category, South Africa tops the standings with 10 points, Zimbabwe follows with six, and Eswatini is third, tied with Zimbabwe at six points. Namibia and Lesotho are struggling, placed sixth and seventh, both without points.