2025 CELTIC CUP: DAY THREE RECAP
29th November 2025
Day Three was moving day at the Celtic Cup with three key matches that have a real impact on who needs what over the weekend to take home the 2025 trophy.
Namibia vs Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Gems defeated the Namibia Desert Jewels 49-39 in a tight, tough battle to begin proceedings on day three. A blistering 19-9 first quarter laid the foundation for the Gems and that margin in the first proved to be the difference in the end.
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With star shooter Sharon Bwanali rested, it created the opportunity for Nalani Mukunde to start and she was super-efficient with 31 goals at 97% accuracy. At the opposite end Desert Jewels shooter Uendjisuvera Kangumine was equally strong with 27 goals to lead her team. Player of the match
Namibia showed great resilience to remain close for the remainder of the match and will take a deal of confidence into their weekend matches against Wales and Northern Ireland. For the Gems they move to six points with two wins from their three matches, setting up an exciting weekend for them against Uganda and Scotland.
Shooting Stats:
Namibia
Uendjisuvera Kangumine 27/33, Elisia Hambongo 9/11, Elisia Kambonge 3/3
Zimbabwe
Sharon Bwanali 4/4, Nalani Mukunde 31/32, Ursula Ndlovu 12/13, Thandekile Ndhlovu 2/3
Wales vs Northern Ireland
The Welsh Feathers recorded their second win of the Cup with a 70-48 win against the Northern Ireland Warriors. A tense opening quarter saw the old rivals locked together at 12 with neither team taking a backward step in a physical, low-scoring battle.
The second quarter saw a determined Feathers team assert some scoreboard pressure with a 19-12 margin that saw them with a much more comfortable 31-24 lead at the main break. For Wales it was the tried and trusted 1-2 punch of Bethan Dyke and Georgia Rowe who inflicted most of the damage. Conversely for the Warriors they shifted Niamh Cooper from WD to C while also rotating Georgie McGrath and Emma Magee through GA to find the right combination in the attacking third.
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The third quarter was a much freer flowing contest as both teams let the ball fly and the goals came quickly, 21-15 in favour of the Feathers again and a second win from their first three matches beckoned, taking a 52-39 lead to the last break. The margin reaching 20 allowed the Feathers to rest Rowe and player of the match Dyke for the closing stages.
A 18-9 fourth quarter result was the perfect tonic for Wales before a crucial pair of matches over the weekend. They face Namibia on Saturday before facing Uganda on Sunday in a match covered in implications for not only the Celtic Cup but perhaps automatic World Cup qualification. The Warriors will take on their nearest neighbours, Scotland before a final tilt on Sunday with Namibia.
Shooting Stats:
Wales
Georgia Rowe 50/51, Phillipa Yarranton 3/3, Nansi Kuti 11/13, Zoe Matthewman 6/7
Northern Ireland
Orlaith Rogers 30/34, Georgie McGrath 4/7, Emma Magee 12/16, Ciara Crosbie 2/3
Scotland vs Uganda
The nightcap saw a battle of teams coming in with two wins and it was the Uganda She Cranes that take an unbeaten record into the weekend after a thrilling 53-51 victory.
The Thistles settled first and converted the first three opportunities and raced to a 3-0 lead. The She Cranes are ranked seventh in the world for a reason and they showed their class with a stifling defence that caused turnovers throughout the first quarter. Behind Nassanga and Cholhok they extended their lead as the first quarter drew to a close to take a handy 16-12.
Both teams began the second quarter unchanged, and it was again the Thistles who had the better of the opening exchanges and the game was end to end action. Both sides enjoyed mini runs and Uganda led throughout the quarter although they could not extend their advantage beyond five. 27-25 at the break for Uganda and an enthralling second half set up.
The third quarter was a gripping fight between two teams desperate to stay unbeaten for the week. Every pass and every shot was made under extreme pressure from the defensive units of both sides. Scotland broke a run of goals against the centre pass with a conversion for Emma Barrie right on the stroke of three-quarter time and an epic final quarter was set.
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The fourth quarter followed a similar script, goal for goal, each one hard earned. The individual matchup between Thistles GK Cerys Finn and star shooter Mary Cholhok was gripping viewing. Similarly, at the other end, Thistles GA Niamh McCall and She Cranes GD Gloria Aja were locked in a series of tussles that was compelling.
The She Cranes looked to have the game wrapped up when they moved five ahead with only two minutes remaining however one last Thistles run made for a tight finish but time ran out for the home side in the closest match of the tournament so far.
Shooting Stats:
Scotland
Emma Barrie 22/25, Niamh McCall 29/34
Uganda
Mary Cholhok 41/47, Shadia Nassanga 12/12
