Africa Netball Cup: Uganda Too Good for Kenya Divas’

Umpiring controversy overshadowed Kenya Divas’ heavy 62-42 defeat to Uganda at the Africa Netball Cup on Tuesday, September 22 with head coach Tapiwa Chirenda questioning the consistency of officiating as Uganda produced a dominant second-half display.

Chirenda, who said he normally avoids criticising umpires, claimed Kenya were penalised more heavily than their opponents, including what he described as 16 advances against the Divas.

“I usually don't complain about umpiring. The Malawi game, I kept quiet, but this one is too much,” said the Zimbabwean. “Our shooters are getting beaten, no caution on the other team. But for us, just brushing past someone, there is a contact. Let there be consistency in these games.”

Uganda started strongly and quickly opened a gap, with Kenya trailing 10-17 at the end of the first quarter. Zimbabwe-based player Lydia Nyapere was involved in the match, which saw Uganda repeatedly capitalise on Kenya's errors and loose passes.

Kenya showed signs of recovery in the second quarter, narrowing the deficit at stages as the score moved through 17-22 and 22-26. However, Uganda restored their advantage before halftime, leading 30-23.

The third quarter proved decisive. Nyapere converted for Kenya as the Divas moved from 23-31 to 24-31, but Uganda responded each time Kenya threatened to close the gap. A wide Kenyan pass was punished as Uganda extended their lead to 38-29 before pulling further away to lead 45-33 at the end of the quarter.

Uganda continued to dominate in the final period, stretching the margin beyond 20 goals. Kenya scored through a steal at 40-59, but could not halt Uganda's momentum as the She Cranes finished 62-42 winners.

Uganda player Shadiah Nassanga said the victory was particularly satisfying because Kenya were the hosts.

“I personally came nervous, thinking about the fan base,” observed Nassanga. “So the chance that we won this game, it's a pleasure to us.”

Kenya's Hellen Sinoya said the players would need to examine their third-quarter collapse, but insisted their World Cup hopes remained alive.

“We dropped it in the third quarter,” she said. “When the gap widened, people dropped their heads.”

Kenya must now beat Zambia on Wednesday and hope Uganda defeat Malawi to keep their semi-final and World Cup qualification hopes alive. Uganda and South Africa have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney through their World Netball rankings.

The Africa Netball Cup features 10 teams split into two pools, with two additional World Cup places available to teams from the remaining eight nations.