Uganda's national women's netball team, the She Cranes, have been crowned champions of the 2026 Netball Africa Cup after defeating South Africa 56-53 in a thrilling final at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. The victory capped a remarkable comeback by the Ugandan side, who overturned a five-goal halftime deficit to claim their first continental title since 2018.
South Africa, the defending champions and Africa's top-seeded team, appeared to have the upper hand during the opening half, taking a 26-21 lead into the break. However, the She Cranes returned from halftime with renewed determination and intensity, producing one of their best second-half performances of the tournament.
Uganda steadily reduced the deficit in the third quarter, putting South Africa under sustained pressure and entering the final quarter just one goal behind. The She Cranes then completed the turnaround in the decisive final period, outscoring South Africa 20-16 to secure a hard-fought 56-53 victory and lift the continental trophy.
The triumph was particularly significant given Uganda's struggles in the second halves of several of their earlier matches at the tournament. The victory also provided a measure of revenge for Uganda following previous defeats to South Africa, including at the Commonwealth Games and in the final of the previous edition of the Africa Netball Cup.
Uganda's journey to the final was equally impressive, with the She Cranes maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the competition. They defeated Nigeria, Zambia, hosts Kenya and Malawi before overcoming South Africa in the final. Their consistency across the tournament laid the foundation for the dramatic final-day victory.
In the bronze-medal match, Malawi defeated Namibia 50-45 to finish third in the tournament. The result saw Malawi secure a place among the African representatives at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, alongside Uganda, South Africa and Namibia. Uganda and South Africa had already secured their places at the global showpiece through their strong world rankings.
The championship-winning Uganda squad comprised players from several of the country's leading clubs and institutions, including defenders Eve Aitesi, Gloria Aya, and Shaffie Nalwanja, mid-court players Margret Baagala and Nashim Khadaala, and shooters Joan Nantumbwe, Racheal Nanyonga, and Christine Kango Namulumba. The squad's depth across defence, mid-court and shooting proved crucial during Uganda's unbeaten campaign.
Key points
- The She Cranes' victory marked their fourth continental netball championship, with previous titles won in 2014, 2017, and 2018.
- Uganda's win sets the stage for their participation in the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
- The She Cranes' unbeaten run in the tournament demonstrates their growing strength in African netball.
