The Proteas have been eliminated from the Netball World Cup title race despite recording a hard-fought two-point win over their continental neighbours Uganda on Thursday.
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PROTEAS COME UP SHORT IN QUEST FOR MIRACLE
Needing to beat Uganda by a whopping 64 or more goals in this all-African showdown, the Proteas were always up against the odds to keep alive their hopes of a podium finish at the tournament.
And it proved to be too big a challenge for the South Africans to overcome, as they only managed to clinch an unconvincing 52-50 win against the spirited Ugandans, who almost pulled off a stunning comeback win over the host nation.
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The Proteas outscored Uganda 16-11 and 17-8 in the first two quarters respectively to take a handy 33-19 lead at the halfway mark in the match.
Uganda turned the tables on their more accomplished opponents by winning the third quarter 17-8. Their resurgence meant they went into the fourth quarter trailing by just five points. South Africa, however, did just enough to stave off Uganda towards the end as the held on for a nervy two-point victory.
Jamaica and New Zealand finished first and second in Pool G and thus advance through to the last four of the Netball World Cup. The Proteas will now contest the fifth and sixth-place playoff.
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