By Zim Sport Live
The Zimbabwe Gems wrapped up their 2025 Celtic Cup campaign in fourth place after a battling 54–45 loss to hosts Scotland in their final match at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Sunday.
Although the tournament ended without a podium finish, the Gems delivered moments of real promise, including a solid wins over regional rivals Namibia and Northern .
The Gems were also competitive in passages of play against some of the world’s top-ranked sides.
African powerhouse Uganda She Cranes were the standout team of the tournament, finishing the five-day event unbeaten and clinching the title with a commanding 70–48 win over Wales.
The Gems faced Uganda on Day Four and, despite a spirited effort, slipped to a 67–54 defeat as the She Cranes underlined why they remain Africa’s highest-ranked team.
One of Zimbabwe’s brightest moments came on Day Three, when they produced a composed and disciplined display to beat Namibia’s Desert Jewels 49–39.
The victory kept Zimbabwe competitive in the middle of the table and showcased the team’s improved ball movement and defensive intensity.
After beating Northern Ireland 57-40 in their first match, the Gems were unable to maintain 5he momentum following losses to Wales (55–42) and later to Scotland (54–45) which highlighted areas the team will be eager to refine—particularly converting turnover ball and maintaining consistency in the midcourt.
While no team managed to stop the Ugandans, Scotland came the closest, losing narrowly 53–51 in one of the tournament’s most intense matchups.
The hosts also proved strong against Zimbabwe in the final match, using home support and sharp attacking play to edge past the Gems.
Northern Ireland finished winless, with their only close contest coming in a 39–43 defeat to Namibia.
For African netball, the tournament further confirmed the continent’s upward trajectory—with Uganda dominating and Zimbabwe securing a respectable mid-table finish despite rebuilding phases and player transition.
Full Results – Celtic Cup 2025
Day One
Uganda 65–38 Namibia
Zimbabwe 57–40 Northern Ireland
Scotland 62–54 Wales
Day Two
Northern Ireland 46–72 Uganda
Scotland 58–33 Namibia
Wales 55–42 Zimbabwe
Day Three
Namibia 39–49 Zimbabwe
Wales 70–48 Northern Ireland
Scotland 51–53 Uganda
Day Four
Wales 67–39 Namibia
Uganda 67–54 Zimbabwe
Scotland 60–43 Northern Ireland
Day Five
Namibia 43–39 Northern Ireland
Wales 48–70 Uganda
Scotland 54–45 Zimbabwe