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‘It is a tough group,’ Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle says
COPPER Queens coach Nora Hauptle has conceded that Zambia has been placed in a tough group for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) that kicks off in Morocco in March. Zambia have bad memories of the previous WAfCON that saw the team eliminated…
Picture: Mwebantu
COPPER Queens coach Nora Hauptle has conceded that Zambia has been placed in a tough group for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) that kicks off in Morocco in March.
Zambia have bad memories of the previous WAfCON that saw the team eliminated from the quarterfinal stage after a 5–0 humiliating loss to Nigeria, who they will now face in the group stage.
According to the draw that was conducted yesterday, the Copper Queens are in Group C, where they will face off against Nigeria, Egypt and neighbours and COSAFA rivals Malawi.
Hauptle, who witnessed the draw in Morocco, said her team cannot afford to underrate Malawi, while facing off against Nigeria, who are current champions, will bring another tough test.
“We have a very tough group with Nigeria, the current champion, and we have Malawi also. Don’t underestimate Malawi. I think when we succeed in this group, then we’re going to get very strong in the knockouts,” she said.
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The Swiss trainer missed Zambia’s last two friendly matches in Malawi but is expected to return in time for preparations for the WAfCON.
“Last time we lost against Nigeria, the current champions; this time we face them in the group stage. I am happy that we face them a bit earlier.
“I think it’s to find a good tactical key, and I think when we really survive this strong group, we’re going to get very confident in the knockout stage,” she said.
In Group A, hosts Morocco will face Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, while Group B has Tanzania, former champions South Africa, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.
Group D has Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 16th January, 2026)
Source: Mwebantu — Read more
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