MATSAPHA — The unstoppable Eswatini men’s netball team rubbed salt into Kenyan wounds once again, securing a hard-fought 48–43 victory at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi on Wednesday morning.
The Eswatini side dominated from the opening whistle to seal a famous win in a tournament that doubles as the qualifying route for the 2027 World Netball Cup. The result marks Eswatini’s second consecutive victory over Kenya in two years, following their 37–28 triumph at the same stage of the competition last year.
The victory sets up a dream final against regional rivals South Africa, just days after the neighbours handed Eswatini a narrow 43–36 defeat in their opening group game.
South African tactician Jabulani Vilane, who is in charge of Eswatini, made one tactical change to his starting line-up, dropping Mpendulo Mncina to the bench and handing Mandisa Sihlongonyane the centre bib.
Eswatini raced into a 15–9 lead at the end of the opening quarter, with goal shooter Brandon and goal attack Ndukwenhle Masangane converting clinically. The attacking duo were expertly fed by wing attack Sphiwo Dlamini, while Sihlongonyane provided a seamless link between attack and defence. At the back, Captain Fortune Neves was resolute at goal defence alongside Sakhile Maseko at goalkeeping.
Kenya rallied in the second quarter. Although Masangane and Dlamini helped absorb the pressure to add 12 goals to Eswatini’s tally, the host nation took the quarter 13–12. Nevertheless, Eswatini’s dominant first-quarter display ensured they held a 27–22 cushion at the half-time break.
The hosts continued to chip away at the lead in the third quarter, scoring 11 goals to Eswatini’s nine. Despite the surging pressure, Eswatini held a slender 36–33 advantage heading into the final period, during which Mncina was reintroduced at centre to allow Sihlongonyane a brief respite.
The decisive moment came in the final quarter. With Kenya pressing relentlessly for a comeback, Eswatini’s defensive unit that was anchored by captain Neves held firm while the attackers converted their chances with ruthless efficiency.
Eswatini outscored the hosts 12–10 in the final period to close out a thrilling five-point victory and book their place in the showpiece event.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:
1st Quarter: Eswatini 15–9 Kenya
2nd Quarter: Eswatini 27–22 Kenya
3rd Quarter: Eswatini 36–33 Kenya
Final Score: Eswatini 48–43 Kenya
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