Hosts Uganda have won the World University Netball Championships by beating South Africa today in the final by one point ©FISU

Hosts Uganda have won the International Federation of University Sport (FISU) World University Netball Championships in Kampala today, winning a thrilling final against the defending champions South Africa by just one point.

South Africa, the 2016 champions and pre-tournament favourites, cruised into the final with five consecutive wins.

But they were unable to succeed against the hosts who used the energy of the home crowd to their advantage and took the win 44-43.

Uganda, meanwhile, also entered today’s match unbeaten, with their last contest ending with a huge score line of 104-10 against Zimbabwe.

Initially Uganda went behind in today’s final, but in the final minutes the team nicknamed "The Cranes" snatched the gold medal thanks to goal shooter Mary Nuba, who scored the final point.

"I have never felt better," she said afterwards.

"This is the best day of my life."