The Zambia Women’s National Team, popularly known as the Copper Queens, has made its intentions clear ahead of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. With preparations entering their final stages, the squad is determined to compete for the biggest prize in African women’s football while also securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Assistant coach Charles Haalubono has expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and believes the players have what it takes to achieve their ambitious goals. As the Copper Queens head into an important training camp in Algeria, optimism continues to grow within the camp. The team’s focus remains firmly on delivering a memorable tournament that could mark another historic chapter for Zambian football.
Speaking as the squad broke camp in Lusaka before departing for Algeria, Haalubono said everyone involved with the national team shares the same objective. According to the assistant coach, both the technical staff and players are united in their determination to bring the WAFCON title home. He explained that months of preparation have strengthened the squad both physically and mentally. The final local training session at the University of Lusaka Sports Complex reflected the team’s commitment and professionalism ahead of the continental competition. Haalubono emphasized that every player understands the responsibility of representing Zambia on one of Africa’s biggest football stages.
The Algeria training camp is expected to play a crucial role in Zambia’s final preparations before the tournament begins. The foreign-based players will join the locally based squad, allowing the full team to train together ahead of WAFCON. This period will give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess player combinations, improve tactical execution and build stronger chemistry across the squad. Additional international friendly matches are also planned, providing valuable competitive experience against quality opposition. These fixtures are expected to help the technical bench identify any remaining areas that require improvement before the tournament kicks off.
Haalubono believes the Copper Queens have shown encouraging progress throughout their recent friendly matches and competitions. He noted that each game has allowed the players to develop a better understanding of the team’s playing style while improving overall performance levels. According to him, the coaching staff has been pleased with the steady growth shown by the squad over recent months. He expressed confidence that the Algeria camp will allow the team to make final adjustments and sharpen every aspect of its game. Haalubono summed up the team’s confidence by stating that the players have trained well and that the squad is now ready for the challenge ahead.
Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the Copper Queens have an emotional motivation driving their campaign. Haalubono revealed that the players want to dedicate a successful tournament to the late former head coach Bruce Mwape, who played a significant role in the development of women’s football in Zambia. He praised Mwape for building a strong foundation that has enabled the current generation of players to compete consistently at the highest level. The assistant coach said the team has resolved to continue the work started by their former mentor by aiming even higher. Winning the WAFCON title and qualifying for another FIFA Women’s World Cup would serve as a meaningful tribute to the legacy Mwape helped establish.
One of the biggest tests awaiting Zambia will come during the group stage against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. Haalubono acknowledged that the previous defeat to Nigeria at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was disappointing for both the players and coaching staff. However, he believes valuable lessons have been learned from that experience. He explained that the team has spent considerable time addressing the weaknesses exposed during that encounter while improving tactical discipline and decision making. The Copper Queens are determined to approach the upcoming match with renewed confidence and fight for a positive result against one of Africa’s strongest football nations.
Haalubono also commended the Football Association of Zambia for providing the support needed to ensure the team’s preparations have been effective. He said the federation’s commitment has enabled the coaching staff to implement training programmes that have improved the players’ tactical awareness and overall understanding of the game. Consistent preparation and quality training camps have given the squad the opportunity to compete at a higher standard. Such support is viewed as an important factor in Zambia’s continued growth as a competitive force in African women’s football. The technical team believes these investments will have a positive impact once the tournament begins.
The assistant coach further highlighted the recent achievement of Zambia’s Under 17 Women’s National Team, which qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. He described the accomplishment as a source of inspiration for the senior national team as they pursue their own World Cup qualification. Haalubono believes the success of younger national teams demonstrates the continued growth of women’s football across Zambia. He said the Copper Queens are motivated to follow that example by earning their place at the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup through a strong WAFCON campaign. Success at different age levels reflects the progress being made within the country’s football development structures.
The Copper Queens enter the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations carrying high expectations, clear ambitions and strong belief in their abilities. With thorough preparations, experienced players and a united technical team, Zambia hopes to challenge the continent’s best and compete for its first WAFCON title. The team’s determination to honour Bruce Mwape’s legacy while pursuing FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification adds even greater significance to the campaign. As the squad completes its preparations in Algeria and welcomes its overseas-based stars, confidence continues to build ahead of the tournament. If the Copper Queens can translate their preparation and ambition into performances on the pitch, Zambia could be well positioned to achieve another milestone in the history of its women’s football.