Malawi Queens yesterday beat Trinidad & Tobago 70-30 to set up an epic battle with Uganda today to stand a chance for a fifth and sixth place in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

In a match monitored on Facebook page, the Queens started on high, winning the first quarter 17-8. They went on to claim their stakes in the second quarter to extend the lead to 39-15 at half time.

Then the Queens registered a 57-23 win in the third quarter.

Despite the convincing victory, New Zealand-bound shooter Joyce Mvula, who substituted Australia-based Mwawi Kumwenda, missed some chances she should have easily converted.

Towards the end of the game, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 10th in the world piled some pressure to give Malawi a tough time.

In an interview yesterday, Netball Association of Malawi general secretary Isaac Chimwala described the victory as encouraging.

“It’s a good win. It gives hope for tomorrow’s encounter with Uganda. We are making steady progress and surely we are on the recovery path back to where we belong,” he said.

The Queens remain fourth tied on four points with Uganda but the She Cranes have a better goal difference.

England  top pool A with eight points followed by New Zealand on six points. It means Malawi must beat Uganda to stand a chance to compete for fifth and sixth place finish.

Meanwhile, Malawi top female short-distance runner Asimenye Simwaka yesterday made history at the Games as the country’s first athlete to qualify for the women’s 400 metres semi-finals.

She finished third in heat one after crossing the finishing line in 52.19 seconds, her personal best. Victoria Ohuruogu of England won the heat in 51.34 while Jamaican Junelle Bromfield was second on 52.04.

Prior to the global event, the 24-year-old’s personal record was 53.86, achieved during CAA African Seniors Championship in Mauritius over a month ago.

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