Zanzibar City, 15 May 2025 | The Uganda Prisons Netball Club continued their dominance at the top of Group B in the East African Netball Club Championship 2025, delivering a commanding 73-35 victory over Zanzibar’s Mafunzo on Thursday afternoon at the New Amaan Stadium. Powered by a standout performance from Captain Christine Kango Namulumba and mid-court maestro Joyce Nakibuule, the Prisons Queens stretched their unbeaten run to three wins.
Mafunzo, buoyed by passionate home support, started strongly, matching Prisons goal-for-goal in the first eight minutes. However, the tide turned in the 10th minute as Prisons’ relentless pressure and tactical execution created a wide margin. The first quarter ended 21-10 in favor of the Ugandans, with their defense suffocating Mafunzo’s attackers. By the second quarter, Prisons had surged to a 42-20 lead, highlighting fluid mid-court play and clinical finishing.
The third quarter saw Prisons tighten their grip, closing at 60-27. In the final quarter, they outscored Mafunzo 13-8 to seal a 73-35 triumph. Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan praised the team’s adaptability: “Mafunzo came out strong, but our players stayed composed and executed our game plan perfectly, especially in the second half.” Christine Kango Namulumba stole the show, scoring an impressive 51 goals to bring her tournament tally to 153 across three games. Joyce Nakibuule, alongside mid-court partners Joan Reykoboth and substitute Nashim Khadaala, delivered pinpoint feeds to keep Kango firing.
The starting lineup featured Stella Nanfuka (GK), Sharon Pita (GD), Lillian Ajio (WD), Joan Reykoboth (C), Joyce Nakibuule (WA), Dorothy Tabia (GA), and Kango (GS). Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Sylvia Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Tausi Mumena, and Malisera Akello injected energy, with the teenage debutants continuing to impr
