Sports Reporter
KENYA – Zimbabwe’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Netball World Cup suffered a major blow as the Gems fell to a second consecutive defeat in Group One of the Africa Netball Cup at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on Monday afternoon.
Aiming for their third successive Netball World Cup appearance, the Gems were beaten 47-31 by Namibia in their third match of the competition. The result leaves their qualification prospects hanging by a thread.
The loss to Namibia’s Debmarine Desert Jewels followed a 58-41 defeat to regional powerhouse South Africa on Sunday. The Proteas have already secured a place at the Sydney tournament by virtue of their world ranking.
To keep their World Cup dream alive, the Gems must defeat Tanzania in their final match and hope Namibia loses both of its remaining fixtures against Tanzania and South Africa.
The Nairobi tournament doubles as the African qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup, with the remaining qualification places to be decided among the eligible teams competing for the continental slots.
The play-off fixtures for a World Cup ticket, scheduled for Friday, September 25, will see Zimbabwe face Malawi, while Namibia will play the winner between Kenya and Zambia. The victors will secure a spot at the World Cup.
