Eswatini……..42
Malawi……….37
MBABANE – Eswatini produced a stirring comeback in Nairobi, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Malawi 42-37 in their Africa Netball Cup clash.
The Jabulani Vilane-led men were forced to chase the game early at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Monday, September 21, 2026, but gradually wrestled control from Malawi in a contest that swung dramatically across the four quarters. This competition doubles as the 2027 World Netball Cup Qualifiers.
Malawi led 12-10 after the opening quarter, with Eswatini’s goal shooter Ndukwenhle Masangane and goal attack Thembeka Dlamini having to work against an early deficit.
The two attackers were supported by wing attack Thembinkosi ‘Lorch’ Matsebula, while centre Mandisa Sihlongonyane provided the link between attack and defence. Thabo Maphosa operated at wing defence, with Fortune Neves at goal defence and Sakhile Maseko guarding the goal circle.
The second quarter belonged to Eswatini. Masangane and Dlamini helped turn pressure into goals as the Eswatini side scored 12 times, while their defensive unit restricted Malawi to eight. That eight-goal swing saw Eswatini move from 12-10 down to a 22-20 half-time lead.
Sihlongonyane continued to provide the engine room in the third quarter, linking the attacking combination while Matsebula worked the wing. At the back, Maphosa, Neves and Maseko worked to protect the advantage. Sihlongonyane was later replaced by Mpendulo Mncina and Sphiwo Dlamini came on for Maphosa. This forced a shift in positions with ‘Lorch’ moving to wing defence while Sphiwo took wing attack.
Eswatini added another 11 goals in the third quarter and conceded 10, extending their lead to 33-30 heading into the final period. In this same quarter, Brendan Dlamini rested Maseko at the goal post.
The decisive moment came in the fourth quarter. With Malawi needing a response, Eswatini’s defensive trio of Matsebula and Neves held firm, while Masangane and Sphiwo continued to convert opportunities at the other end.
Eswatini scored nine times in the final quarter against Malawi’s seven to close out a 42-37 victory. The victory gives Eswatini a major boost in the men’s round-robin competition, which also features South Africa, Kenya and Uganda.
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER
1st Quarter: Malawi 12-10 Eswatini
2nd Quarter: Malawi 20-22 Eswatini
3rd Quarter: Malawi 30-33 Eswatini
4th Quarter: Malawi 37-42 Eswatini
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