The Spar Proteas faced an uphill battle from the start, needing to outscore Uganda by 64 points or more to advance to the semifinals. Despite the team’s best efforts, this mission proved insurmountable, as their second preliminary stage Group G encounter ended in a 52-50 score at the CTICC.
South Africa worked hard to secure a two-point victory, but it fell short of the required margin. Despite finishing the preliminary stages with the same number of points as New Zealand, the Spar Proteas were eliminated due to a lower goal difference.
New Zealand advanced to the semifinals alongside dominant Jamaica, who won all five of their matches and will be confident heading into the knockout rounds if their form continues.
Also read: Proteas and Silver Ferns battle to a thrilling draw in World Cup showdown
With few options, South Africa will now attempt to salvage their pride in a match against Tonga on Friday, which will determine positions below fourth place.
The Proteas’ disappointment was palpable, especially given their previous World Cup semifinal appearance in Liverpool, where they were eliminated by Australia and lost to England in the bronze medal match.
As per TimesLive, in the first quarter, there was little separation between the teams, with the hosts holding a five-point lead over Uganda, with Ine-Marí Venter making significant contributions. The Netball Proteas maintained their lead at halftime, leading by nine points. Uganda, however, stepped up their game in the third quarter, outscoring the Proteas and cutting the deficit to five points.
Uganda won the fourth quarter by a three-point margin. Their efforts, however, were not enough to tip the match in their favour, as South Africa held on for a victory that fell short of the necessary margin.
Uganda, admired for their tenacity and physical prowess throughout the tournament, resisted intimidation from more established teams, losing to defending champions New Zealand while defeating lower-ranked Trinidad and Tobago and Wales.
Although the Netball Proteas won’t grace the semifinals, prospects for the athletes’ futures remain promising.
🗣️ “South Africans have been beautiful, since day one they’ve been backing us.”#SPARProteas captain Bongi Msomi reflects on their two-point win over Uganda but says the team can play a lot better.#HereForHer | #NWC2023
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 3, 2023
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Picture: @Netball_SA / Twitter
