Kenya Net Kings booked a bronze-medal showdown with Uganda after thrashing Malawi 44-31 in a thrilling Africa Netball Cup match at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday.
Kenya led 10-8 after a competitive first quarter and 20-17 at half-time before taking control in the third quarter, scoring 12 goals against Malawi’s four to establish a 32-21 advantage.
Christovin Juma spearheaded the attack while Victor Mbithi also made important contributions as Kenya stretched their lead to 39-27 with 5:27 remaining. Despite Malawi reducing the deficit, Kenya’s defence held firm to secure victory.
The hosts briefly went down to six players for two minutes after goalkeeper Isaac Langat was yellow-carded, but Malawi could not capitalise. Mbithi scored Kenya’s 44th goal before Malawi replied late.
Coach Peter Oloo said Kenya struggled with long balls, misplaced passes and turnovers in the opening half, but corrected those errors at the interval.
“In the third and fourth quarters we changed the strategy. Instead of the long balls, we were playing short balls,” Oloo noted, adding that improved midcourt and defensive-circle defending changed the match.
Oloo explained he was not worried when Langat was sent off because Kenya were about 12 goals ahead with only two minutes remaining.
He now expects another difficult battle against Uganda, adding the team has analysed Uganda’s previous matches and will devise a counter-formation. “Uganda game is a tricky one but we know how we are going to tackle it,” he said.
Langat noted that Kenya had worked hard on defence to contain Malawi and backed the team to win the bronze medal. He urged Kenyan fans to turn out in large numbers on Friday.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s women’s team, the Divas, meet Namibia on Friday in a crucial World Cup qualification playoff after Wednesday’s historic victory over Zambia.
The Divas, who are ranked 21st in the world, stunned world number 17 Zambia to finish third in Pool Two. Namibia, who occupy 14th globally, finished second in Pool One.
The women’s semi-finals scheduled for Thursday were cancelled under a revised Africa Netball fixture. Uganda and South Africa will now proceed directly to the final, while Kenya face Namibia and Malawi meet Zimbabwe in Friday’s World Cup qualification playoffs.
Goal attack Doreen Akinyi said beating Zambia was “history” because Kenya had never defeated them before. She credited a defensive tactical switch with helping secure the victory.
Akinyi expects Namibia’s speed to pose a major challenge and said Kenya may use zone defence to contain them.
The match is particularly important because the Divas have never won an Africa Cup medal, with fifth place their previous best finish.
“It’s really big because it’s our only obstacle to the Netball World Cup next year,” said Akinyi.
She acknowledged the pressure of playing before home supporters, but added the players rely on teamwork, consistency and composure.
Friday will therefore be decisive for Kenya, with the Net Kings chasing bronze against Uganda and the Divas fighting Namibia for a place at the 2027 Netball World Cup.
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