A late-night meeting between Africa Netball Cup organisers and team managers ended around 11 PM on Wednesday, September 23, resolving a dispute over the tournament format.
The competition doubles as the 2027 Netball World Cup qualifiers and the continental championship.
World Netball intervened after Uganda and South Africa topped their pools and secured World Cup spots via world rankings.
The governing body advised that the pool winners meet in the final to protect qualification integrity.
Original semi-finals had Uganda facing Namibia and South Africa meeting Malawi before the overhaul.
Friday, September 25 now hosts qualification semi-finals for the remaining World Cup slots.
Saturday, September 26 features the Africa Netball Cup final and the third-place playoff.
In the men's division, South Africa faces Eswatini for the title on Saturday at 4 PM.
Uganda's men play for third place on Friday awaiting the Kenya-Malawi winner.
World Netball also announced a standalone Men's Netball World Cup cycle for 2028-2035.
Revised schedule
- Friday, September 25: Qualification semi-finals (women); Third-place playoff (men)
- Saturday, September 26: Africa Netball Cup final (women); Third-place playoff (women); Men's final: South Africa vs Eswatini, 4 PM
What this means for Uganda
The She Cranes skip a semi-final and go straight to Saturday's final against South Africa. Their World Cup place was already safe. The men's side fights for bronze on Friday.
Watch the Highlights
Source: Kawowo Sports
