Copper Queens Head Coach Nora Häuptle has expressed enthusiasm ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, scheduled from March 27 to April 3. Zambia has been drawn in a challenging group alongside continental powerhouses Nigeria and Egypt, as well as regional rivals Malawi.
Häuptle highlighted that facing strong opponents from the start will push the team to be fully prepared and focused from the opening match, rather than gradually adjusting as the tournament progresses. “Last week I was in Rabat for the draw. Basically, I adore this group. It’s the toughest group, but the coach always wants to play first against the best. These real challenges are lifting us, it mirrors how we are, where we are,” she said.
The head coach sees the draw as an opportunity for the Copper Queens to test their skills against top-tier competition, gain valuable experience, and set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The team’s preparation will focus on physical readiness, tactical discipline, and mental resilience to meet the demands of such a competitive group.
Zambia’s supporters can expect an energized squad aiming to make an impact on the continental stage, using the tough group as motivation to elevate performance and showcase the growth of women’s football in the country.