SINGAPORE - Botswana beat 17th-ranked hosts Singapore 42-38 to post their first win of the Mission Foods Nations Cup at the OCBC Arena on Monday. The 19th-ranked visitors had lost to Zambia 43-46 on Sunday (Sept 4).

Both netball teams started the match vibrantly, but Botswana put up a stronger offensive display to pull ahead and lead 12-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Singapore side fought to level the match, starting the second quarter with three goals to narrow the gap.

However, their opponents' quick interception and low passes, together with Botswana shooter Hildah Binang's accuracy, saw the visitors hold on to their lead 22-17 at half time.

Both sides were evenly matched throughout the third quarter, but Botswana's early lead gave them the edge.

Although the Republic ramped up their offensive play and scored more goals than their opponents in the final quarter, their resurgence came too late as Botswana were too far ahead to be caught up.

Said shooter Binang: "We kept our pace and momentum, and today we managed to keep our margin close and stay focused.

"There was a lot of pressure, especially from the crowd, but we managed to play it cool and I think that's how we pulled through."