Malawi National Netball Team have qualified for the 2027 Sydney World Netball Cup after finishing second in their group following World Netball Cup intervention.
The Queens beat Zambia, Nigeria and Kenya but lost to sixth-placed Uganda to finish second and secured a World Cup spot.
In a sudden twist of events, Africa Netball, the continental governing body ruled Malawi should play Zimbabwe in another match to decide the World Cup qualifier.
But the global netball governing body overruled Africa Netball’s decision and restored Malawi’s position alongside Namibia as the last two qualifiers.
South frica and Uganda booked their places basing on world rankings fifth and sixth respectively.
Reads the statement in part: “Following the conclusion of Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Africa, World Netball and Africa Netball can confirm that Malawi and Namibia have qualified to be invited by World Netball to compete at NWC2027.
“World Netball further clarified the competition format, confirming that the top two teams from each pool would advance to the semi-finals and finals in accordance with the NWC2027 Qualifier Africa Rules and Regulations.
“The clarification provides a definitive outline of the knockout stage following discussions and uncertainty surrounding the tournament format, including suggestions that quarter-final matches could be introduced before the semi-finals.”
Netball Association of Malawi General Secretary Yamikani Kauma expressed gratitude with the decision, saying justice has been done in the best interest of the game.
The 2027 competition will be held in Sydney, Australia.
