Kenya Rally to Pip Zambia to Keep Netball World Cup Hopes Alive

Kenyan professional netball player Lydia Nyapere in Zimbabwe was at the heart of Kenya’s historic comeback against Zambia as the Divas bounced back from a four-goal halftime deficit to win 54-50 and keep their 2027 Netball World Cup dream alive.

Playing at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Wednesday, the Divas produced one of their most important performances of the Africa Netball Cup, beating Zambia for the first time and booking their place in the semi-finals.

Nyapere, who turns out for Makate High Flyers in Zimbabwe, played a crucial role in the turnaround, repeatedly finding the net alongside goal attack Doreen Akinyi as Kenya transformed a difficult first half into a memorable victory.

Zambia had appeared in control early on, edging the opening quarter 14-13 before taking a 27-24 advantage into halftime.

Kenya, however, returned from the break with renewed determination.

Nyapere levelled the scores at 29-29 with 10:55 remaining in the third quarter before Akinyi put Kenya ahead at 30-29.

The Divas continued to build momentum and entered the final quarter leading 41-37.

Nyapere then scored to make it 46-41 with 8:08 remaining, while Akinyi added two goals to stretch the advantage to 49-42 with 6:29 left.

Although Zambia attempted a late fightback, Kenya remained composed to seal a 54-50 victory.

“We really needed the win as a team. We really wanted to qualify to Sydney,” revealed Nyapere.

“It was not an easy match. It was so physical, to a point we were almost losing it. But since we have those smart coaches, they were able to calm us down.”

The Kenyan players also had to take responsibility for regaining their composure during the match.

“As a team, we also called ourselves into a meeting and we had to calm down for us to have the win,” disclosed Nyapere.

The victory had particular significance for the Kenyan international because it was her first time facing Zambia.

“Since I started playing, I have never faced Zambia. But this is the first time we are facing Zambia. And this is the first win I am getting from Zambia,” she said.

For coach Tapiwa Chirenda, the turnaround was evidence that Kenya had learned from its earlier performances in the tournament.

“We went back. We sat down. I took responsibility. We started over. We started afresh. And today, the game that mattered the most, we won,” Chirenda said.

He also praised Zambia for pushing Kenya throughout the contest.

“This is a very strong squad. I would love to say to Zambia, they gave us a good fight. These guys were so good.”

The victory means Kenya's women remain in contention for a place in the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, with Namibia standing between the Divas and a place in the final.

Reigning African champions South Africa, who finished Pool One unbeaten after defeating Namibia 55-33, will face Malawi in the other semi-final.

For Nyapere and the Divas, however, the immediate task is clear: build on the historic win and keep the Sydney dream alive.

Matchday 5 results (September 23):

Men

Malawi 31-52 Uganda

Uganda 54-49 Malawi

Women

Tanzania 28-73 Zimbabwe

Zambia 50-54 Kenya

Namibia 33-55 South Africa