England Fight Back to Beat South Africa and Reach Commonwealth Games Netball Semi-finals

England produced a spirited comeback to defeat South Africa 58-54 and secure a place in the netball semi-finals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In a winner-takes-all group match, both teams entered the contest knowing victory was required to progress to the last four. The Vitality Roses responded to an early deficit and maintained their remarkable record of reaching the semi-finals at every Commonwealth Games since netball was introduced to the competition in 1998.

South Africa made the stronger start at the OVO Hydro, taking control in the opening quarter through the impressive shooting of Elmere van der Berg. The goal shooter scored 16 goals from 19 attempts as South Africa surged into a 17-11 lead after the first quarter, putting England under significant pressure.

England’s momentum changed when Halimat Adio and Funmi Fadoju were introduced. Their defensive impact disrupted South Africa’s rhythm and helped the Roses gradually work their way back into the contest. By half-time, England had reduced the deficit to just one goal, trailing 29-28.

The turnaround continued early in the third quarter as England scored five consecutive goals to move into a 35-30 lead. The Roses carried that momentum through the remainder of the period and entered the final quarter with a 45-41 advantage.

South Africa remained in contention throughout the closing stages, but England kept their composure under pressure. Olivia Tchine and Lois Pearson delivered important goals in the final minutes as Anna Stembridge’s side calmly protected their four-goal lead and secured a hard-fought 58-54 victory.

Captain Francesca Williams praised the influence of Adio after the match.

“Shout out to Halimat Adio. She was unreal in that second quarter. So proud of her to bring us that energy and get us back in the game when we needed it,” Williams told TNT Sports.

“We have been under pressure all week to perform, so for us to finish out a game like that and ride the wave of goal for goal in the last quarter and come out on top, I’m so proud.”

The victory keeps alive England’s hopes of winning a second Commonwealth Games gold medal. The Roses will now face New Zealand in the second semi-final on Saturday, while Australia take on Jamaica in the first semi-final. The gold-medal and bronze-medal matches will both be played on Sunday.

The match was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who watched England complete one of their most important victories of the tournament so far.

Stembridge only stepped into the head coach role four months before the Commonwealth Games following the resignation of Jess Thirlby. Guiding England into the semi-finals represents a significant achievement in her first major tournament in charge.

Despite their consistent record of reaching the final four, England have never won a Commonwealth Games netball medal when the event has been staged in the United Kingdom. Saturday’s semi-final against New Zealand will offer another opportunity for the Roses to move one step closer to changing that history on home soil.