Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Häuptle has expressed satisfaction with her team’s overall performance despite their 2-2 draw against tournament hosts Morocco in the opening match of Group A at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In a thrilling contest at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, the Copper Queens twice took the lead, only for the determined Moroccan side to equalise on both occasions. While the result means both teams share the points, the Zambian side showed moments of dominance, particularly in the first half.
Speaking after the game, Häuptle commended her players for sticking to the tactical game plan and showing resilience in a high-pressure environment.
“It was a tough but entertaining game,” she said. “The team executed the game plan effectively, and we were unfortunate not to capitalise on the chances we created in the first half. We could have finished the match with a win.”
The Copper Queens came into the match with high expectations following strong preparations and a growing reputation on the African continent. Their attacking intent was clear from the opening minutes, and they were rewarded with a well-taken goal early in the first half. However, Morocco responded strongly with a goal of their own, setting the tone for a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Zambia regained the lead in the second half, only to see it slip away once more as the hosts leveled again, much to the delight of the home crowd. Still, Häuptle remains optimistic, emphasizing the positives and urging her squad to build on the performance ahead of their next group match.
“We showed that we can compete at the highest level. What we need now is consistency and sharpness in front of goal,” she noted.
The draw sees Zambia earn a crucial point in what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament. With matches against Nigeria and Senegal still to come, the Copper Queens will be aiming to tighten their defense while maintaining their attacking flair.
Fans and pundits alike praised the Zambian side for their composure and technical discipline, noting the growth of women’s football in the country. With the likes of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji leading the attack, expectations remain high that Zambia can make a deep run in this year’s WAFCON tournament.
As the tournament continues, Häuptle’s side will now regroup and shift focus to their upcoming fixture, where a win could significantly boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.