COPPER QUEENS READY FOR SENEGAL TEST – HÄUPTLE

08.07.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle says her team has put their thrilling 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco behind them and is now fully focused on the next challenge — a crucial Group A clash against Senegal at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Reflecting on the opening match, Häuptle praised her players’ determination and execution, noting that the performance data from the Morocco game showed Zambia is heading in the right direction.

“We’ve recovered well from the first game. Our video analysis and the stats actually indicate we should have won. Overall, our performance was very good,” Häuptle said.

She highlighted how Zambia intentionally allowed Morocco more possession but remained dominant in other key areas.

“We let Morocco keep the ball, but we controlled all the other parameters — we defended smartly, transitioned quickly, and created plenty of chances.”

Up next is a Senegal side brimming with confidence after their commanding 4-0 victory over DR Congo. Häuptle acknowledged that Wednesday’s contest would pose a very different kind of challenge.

“It’s going to be a completely different game because Senegal brings different strengths compared to Morocco. They’re very physically strong, so we’ll have to match that intensity,” she explained.

“It’s again about finding the right defensive approach. Against Morocco, we executed our game plan very intelligently, and I’m confident we’ll make the right adjustments for Senegal.”

Häuptle also underlined Zambia’s devastating ability on the break, calling it one of the strongest aspects of their play.

“Our transitions are among the best in this tournament. We’re going to try and hurt them in those moments. We’re also working on being more proactive with the ball.”

On the injury front, the coach offered positive updates on two key players who missed the opener — goalkeeper Catherine Musonda and winger Xiomara Mapepa.

“Catherine and Xiomara were part of training. We’ll monitor their progress up to tomorrow and decide then if they’re ready to be in the lineup.”

Having faced Senegal twice before, Häuptle is well aware of the West Africans’ capabilities.

“Senegal’s players are physically imposing and many of them play in competitive environments like the French League, including Olympique Marseille. They also have some young talents whose skills have really developed.”

Looking ahead, Häuptle stressed that the team’s emphasis remains firmly on performance metrics.

“We work consistently on our performance indicators. Against Morocco, we had 12 shots — eight on target — and a lot of touches in their box. Our transitions were excellent. Statistically, we dominated and could’ve been 4-1 up. But that’s football. We’re staying focused, improving those details, and I’m confident that performances like these will translate into positive results.”

The Copper Queens will aim to turn those encouraging signs into three points when they take on Senegal, hoping to strengthen their push for a spot in the knockout stages.