South Africa claimed all the bragging rights for Africa as they defeated Uganda 62 – 54. The win sees South Africa finishing 5th which is an improvement from their 2022 performance
For the second consecutive time in four years, two African giants meet for the classification match – it was Uganda who emerged victorious the last time the two met in Birmingham.
Coach Jenny van Dyk started with a slightly different line up from the one that took last night against England. Karla Pretorius, Owethu Ngubane and Tarle Mathe started on the bench.
With bragging rights and pride of Africa on the line, South Africa got off to flying start and led the opening quarter for a good ten minutes however Uganda quickly settled in and began to chip away South Africa’s lead and at the end of the quarter, it was Uganda who led 17 -12.
Tarle Mathe took to court ar the start of the second quarter in place of Nketsa at Centre. South Africa found their mojo back in the second back and took the game to Uganda, they made sure to capitalize on the errors Uganda made and they took the quarter 20 – 11. South Africa went into half time leading 32 -28.
The start of the third quarter saw both sides evenly matched from the first whistle – the two exchanged blows and South Africa narrowly won the quarter 16 – 13 and taking the overall lead of 48 -41.
Both teams slowed the down the tempo of the game – a lot of tired bodies on court after an intense three quarters. South Africa remained disciplined throughout the quarter.
Score Breakdown:
Q1 South Africa 12 – 17 Uganda
Q2 South Africa 20 – 11 Uganda
Q3 South Africa 16 – 13 Uganda
Q4 South Africa 14 – 13 Uganda
Overall score – South Africa 54 -58 Uganda
Photo Cred: World Netball
