LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s Under-21 National Netball Team has shown grit and adaptability in their build up to the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, outclassing hosts Zambia 44-31 in their second clash of the three-match International Test Series at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka.
The victory, coming just a day after a 48-36 triumph in the opening match, was hard-earned as the junior Queens had to withstand a spirited Zambian fightback in the third quarter that briefly threatened their dominance.
Buoyed by clinical finishing from shooter Florence Jeke and goal attacker Gertrude Makanganya, Malawi stormed to a 24-11 halftime lead. But complacency and experimental line up changes allowed Zambia to reduce the deficit to just seven baskets going into the final quarter.
Coach Noel Mussa quickly restored stability with tactical substitutions, enabling the team to regain their attacking rhythm and re establish a commanding 13-basket cushion by full-time.
“This game was a valuable lesson.We tried different combinations, but we saw where we need to be careful,”Mussa said.
“That’s the whole point of these games to fine-tune before the World Cup in Gibraltar,”Mussa added.
Team captain Stella Matellezi expressed optimism, noting that the squad’s chemistry and understanding on court are improving with every match.
Supported by Mukuru Malawi and the Malawi National Council of Sports, the series serves as both a confidence boost and a reality check ahead of Sunday’s decider their last test before September’s global showdown.
