Malawi Queens Under-20 started their campaign to defend the Zone Six Games Tournament with a draw game against South Africa in a fierce battle which took place on Saturday in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Junior Queens, who are the favorites at the tournament displayed a stunning performance especially through their captain Lauren ‘China’ Ngwira.
Ngwira, who was part of the senior team squad which went to the Fast5 Net Tournament in New Zealand inspired her colleagues after trailing to South Africa in the first and second quarter.
The Queens came with new ideas in the third quarter as they managed to force South Africa to a 20 draw.
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Laureen Ngwira led the Malawi side to draw with South Africa
The battle of points continued in the last quarter, when the two teams could not give each other any room to maneuver.
Malawi Queens Coach Connis Mhone brought in Chinasi Bande, who changed the tempo of the game by converting baskets which led to a 29 draw game.
In Saturday’s encounter, the Junior Queens started with Bingu Tigresses Lauren Ngwira as a goalkeeper with Martha Dambo as goal defender while MTL Queens Pilirani Msukwa was featured as a winger.
Another MTL Queens star Thandiwe Galeta was left with the mantle to attack while Cathy Yikwangwa controlled the centre.
Other players who also played the game were Joyce Mvula and Beauty Nyangulu.
The next assignment for the Queens is against Lesotho.
The Junior Queens captain Lauren Ngwira told Nyasa Times from Lusaka that all was not lost and assured Malawians of qualification.
“It was a tough game against South Africa but we put up a gallant fight because after trailing in the first and second quarter we managed to come back into the game in the last quarter,” said Ngwira.
Ngwira stressed that their aim is to defend their title.
