Uganda’s She Cranes opened their 2025 Africa Netball Championship campaign with a tight 46-45 win over Kenya’s Divas at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe on Monday, December 8.
The result gave Uganda an important start in a tournament that runs from December 8 to 14 in Malawi.
Uganda controlled the early exchanges and pushed into a 14 to 7 first quarter lead as the starting seven of Lillian Ajio, Shaffie Nalwanja, Ayaa Gloria, Margaret Baagala, Lillian Achola, Shadia Nassanga and captain Racheal Nanyonga settled quickly.
The team stretched the advantage to 24-18 at halftime and kept rhythm in the third quarter to lead 35 to 33 heading into the final period.
Kenya increased the pressure through the accuracy of shooter Ireen Anyango, who produced a strong individual display and later earned the Player of the Match award.
Uganda arrived in Malawi with confidence after winning the 2025 Celtic Cup in Scotland and now sits well placed in Pool B, which includes Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Zimbabwe defeated Namibia 48 to 36 in the other group fixture, while defending champions South Africa delivered the most dominant result of the opening round in Pool 1 with a 104-25 win over Tanzania.
