New Zealand’s Silver Ferns were favourites going into the Commonwealth Games netball match against Malawi on Sunday night.
They had just convincingly knocked off Wales and Uganda, by 26 and 13 points respectively and, ranked second in the world, they had no reason to think the eastern African nation would trouble them.
But fans were left shocked when the Ferns went down 57-53, after leading in the third quarter 39-35.
The NZ team couldn’t hide their disappointment, nor Malawi their joy. Post continues.
It was a huge blow for the side who haven’t missed a Commonwealth Games grand final since netball was introduced to the event in 1998. Now, they will need to beat tough opponents England as well as Scotland this week to make it to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Australia – who has faced New Zealand in each of those five previous netball grand finals – still looks set to make it to the gold medal game.
The Diamonds have so far smashed Northern Ireland, 94-26 and Barbados, 79-24.
As for the Malawi team, well they’re as excited as you’d expect after beating an opponent they hadn’t ever won against.
The Mamamia Out Loud team discuss the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Post continues.
“We have beaten the untouchables. We can walk tall now,” coach Whyte Mulilima said.
“Everybody will be shocked back home. They never expected us to win.”
Nor did anyone else it seems.
