
She Cranes Suffer Second Defeat at 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup
Uganda’s She Cranes continued to struggle in the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup in England, succumbing to a 45-60 defeat against Malawi Queens on Sunday at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
This marked their second consecutive loss in the tournament, having fallen 45-70 to South Africa’s SPAR Proteas in their opening match on Saturday.
Uganda showed early promise, edging the first quarter 14-12, but Malawi gradually gained control.
By halftime, the Queens led 28-25 and continued to assert dominance in the latter stages.
Leeds Rhinos shooter Joyce Mvula, named Player of the Match, was pivotal to Malawi’s victory, consistently finding the net with precision. She was well-supported by Takondwa Lwazi, whose accurate feeds dismantled Uganda’s defensive setup.
She Cranes’ defensive duo, Hanisha Muhammad (GK) and Gloria Aya (GD), struggled to contain Mvula’s attacking prowess.
In the midfield, Margaret Baagala and her fellow playmakers found it difficult to dictate play, as costly turnovers shifted momentum in Malawi’s favor.
The loss to a lower-ranked Malawi, a team that endured two suspensions and currently ranks seventh in the world, may impact Uganda’s standings when the latest rankings are updated.
This result comes as a disappointment, particularly given that Uganda triumphed over Malawi 51-43 in the Africa Cup semifinals last December in Namibia.
Although challenges were expected under the team’s new coaching staff and administration, a stronger showing had still been anticipated.
She Cranes must now regroup as they prepare for their next fixture against tournament hosts England Roses at the Copper Box Arena in London next weekend.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from the four-team table compete in the final on Sunday, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will vie for the bronze medal.