Africa Netball Championship 2025: She Cranes Escape Late Surge as Kenya Divas Push Champions to the Brink
By Kayiira Jackson
The 2025 Africa Netball Championship threw off early fireworks on Monday at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi, as Celtic Cup champions She Cranes survived a spirited comeback to edge a determined Kenya Divas side 46–45 in a tense Group B showdown.
Uganda entered the contest as favourites—ranked 6th in the world, a whole 16 places above Kenya—but the Divas tore up the script with a gritty, fearless performance that kept the champions on the ropes for most of the second half.
Uganda’s starting seven of Lillian Ajio, Shaffie Nalwanja, Ayaa Gloria, Margaret Baagala, Lillian Achola, Shadia Nassanga and captain Racheal Nanyonga showed early authority, storming to a 14–07 first-quarter lead. Their sharpness in transition and quick ball movement left Kenya’s starting unit—Anyango Irene, Auro Jackline, Muhammed Nelly, Ndong Elisa, Nyapere Lydiah, Simiyu Parin and Sinoya Hellen—struggling to match the intensity.
The She Cranes stretched their advantage to 24–18 at halftime, but that comfortable cushion evaporated almost instantly in the third quarter as Kenya unleashed their finest spell of the match.
The Divas, led by the brilliant pairing of centre Anyango Irene and shooter Nyapere Lydiah, outscored Uganda 16–9 in the third quarter, tearing through the Ugandan defence with seamless interplay and persistent pressure. Uganda’s tactical changes, particularly the introduction of Nakitto Christine for Ayaa Gloria, unsettled their rhythm—at one point costing them three centre passes. By the end of the quarter, Uganda’s once-commanding lead had shrunk to just 35–33.
Kenya’s momentum carried into the final stanza as they again edged Uganda, scoring 12 to Uganda’s 11, but the She Cranes’ early dominance proved just enough to avoid a major upset. The Ugandans held on by a single goal—46–45—to seal their opening win of the tournament.
Despite the narrow defeat, the Kenya Divas announced themselves as genuine contenders, pushing one of Africa’s netball giants to the brink.
Uganda returns to action on Tuesday against Zimbabwe, who defeated Namibia 48–36, while Kenya will look to build on their impressive showing when they face Namibia.