NEW: Gems make history in Namibia

Veronica Gwaze

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE senior women netball have scripted their piece of history, defeating nemesis Uganda for the first time.

The Gems overpowered the East Africans 50-49 in an electrifying 60-minutes game which serves as their opening match at the ongoing African Championships in Namibia.

From the onset, the match was a pound to pound affair as each side fought for a fair share of scores.

Both sides won turnovers and also lost their own centre passes to unforced errors leading to a 25-24 lead by the Gems at half time break.

Seemingly succumbing to pressure, the Ropafadzo Mutsauki led side lost grip and found themselves trailing by seven goals (32-39) by the end of the third quarter.

Interestingly, in the last six minutes, the Zimbabweans staged a dramatic comeback to overturn the score line and led by a goal to beat Uganda for the first time.

Tomorrow, the Gems play Lesotho.