Kenya’s national netball team pulled off a stunning 58-50 upset over tournament hosts United Arab Emirates in a thrilling encounter at the UAE Netball Cup in Dubai. The victory not only marked Kenya’s second consecutive win in the tournament but also secured their place in Saturday’s bronze medal match.
Dubbed the “Kenyan Divas,” the team showed exceptional composure, strategic discipline, and mental toughness to outclass the more experienced and higher-ranked UAE side. From the outset, Kenya signaled their intent, narrowly edging the first quarter 13-12 in a highly competitive start.
The turning point came in the second quarter when head coach Mugisha Ali made a bold tactical switch replacing goal shooter Lucy Akumu with Delilah Akinyi. Akumu, who had registered 3 goals from 6 attempts (50%), was moved to goal keeper, a position where she would later prove instrumental in disrupting UAE’s attacking plays.
Akinyi, stepping into the shooting role, made an immediate impact. Her near-flawless performance in front of goal saw her convert 30 of 31 shots, ending the match with an outstanding 97% accuracy. By halftime, Kenya had surged ahead with a 30-23 lead, boosted by Akinyi’s precision and Akumu’s newfound presence in defense.
Despite UAE’s attempts to change the tide including substitutions that brought in Racheal Tuckey at wing defense and Fiona Van Dem at goal defense Kenya continued to dictate the rhythm of the match. Their lead widened to 46-37 by the end of the third quarter, demonstrating their growing dominance on both ends of the court.
In the final quarter, the UAE mounted a spirited comeback, backed by a vocal home crowd. However, Kenya’s defensive unit held firm. Dorine Akinyi contributed another 25 goals from 28 attempts (89%), while the backline, led by the likes of Teresa Othuon, remained vigilant in keeping the hosts at bay.
“We defended so well, minimized mistakes, and marked our opponents tightly,” noted Othuon. “We didn’t give them space that’s why we emerged victorious.”
The win carried added emotional weight, as the team avenged a previous loss to the UAE at a tournament in Singapore. The coach praised his players’ improved offensive execution and resilience, emphasizing the value of their preparation and tactical growth.
With momentum now firmly on their side, Kenya heads into the bronze medal showdown with renewed belief and a growing sense of purpose. Their performance in Dubai has turned heads and they’re not done yet.
