Newcomers Zambia started off their Mission Foods Nations Cup 2016 campaign with an aggressive approach as they beat Botswana, 46 – 43 in what can be considered a very close match.

It was a fast ball game between Botswana and Zambia, with the latter catching up with the score 4 – 4, six minutes into the first quarter. Botswana got off to a strong start as they shot 12 – 7 end of the first quarter.

The second quarter began with both teams’ strong attack as they scored a total of 24 points. Defense is equally impressive as scores were closely matched throughout the bout. Zambia vice-captain, Lucy Jere (GA), displayed her high power attack scoring 12 goals for the quarter. The first half ended with a score of 23 – 20, in favour of Botswana.

Zambia scored the first goal, kicking off the third quarter. The third quarter was a very close match with both Zambia and Botswana shooting goals one after the other. Catching up with the rhythm and with very strong defense, Zambia took the lead by one point at the end of the quarter.

The intensity of the game increased with a very strong defence and attack displayed by both ends. With a surprising twist of events, newcomers Zambia kept lead by the last 3 minutes of the game, ending their first tournament with a score of 46 – 43.

Coach of Team Zambia, Charles Zulu

“We’ve performed very well. We started off relaxed, but after seeing that the game was tough, they started working and played to the instructions. The challenge this round was that the girls didn’t start off with massive power. After seeing that they were losing the game, they realised they may lose, and started pushing. We want to win every upcoming game, and raise our ranking.”

Coach of Botswana, Sithulile Mhlotshwa

“The girls played very well in the first and second quarter. I think what we lack is the mental strength, which we are going to improve on in the next coming game. Zambia may have been physical but they played very well. They used their body strength to their advantage. We have to defend more in the next few matches and to have more interceptions. This is something we have work towards.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zambia Vice-Captain Lucy Jere scored the most with 28 points
• Botswana scored 91% of total attempt

MATCH STATISTICS