Häuptle Expects Tough Test for Copper Queens at WAFCON Morocco 2026

16.01.2026 | Football DNA

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle says she is anticipating tough and closely contested matches at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026.

The Swedish tactician was speaking shortly after Zambia were drawn in Group C, alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and regional rivals Malawi, for the continental showpiece.

Despite acknowledging the difficulty of the group, Häuptle says she is relishing the challenge, believing that progressing from such a competitive pool would leave the Copper Queens well prepared for the knockout stages.

“I know Nigeria well, so I’m excited,” Häuptle said. “It’s good that we start the tournament at a very high level. There is no warm-up time — we need to raise the bar immediately to 100 percent. It’s a good group, but also Malawi — never underestimate Malawi. They have top players competing in the NWSL and in France.”

She added that surviving Group C would be a major boost for Zambia’s campaign.

“I expect very tough and tight games. When you manage to surpass and survive this group, you will become very strong heading into the knockout stages,” she said.

Häuptle also emphasized the importance of proper preparation, particularly against a Nigerian side that has won the WAFCON title a record 10 times.

“We are going to prepare well by arranging good friendly matches and developing the right strategy,” she said. “Nigeria have won this tournament so many times, and for us, our position is always to hunt and chase. We will prepare thoroughly.”

The Copper Queens coach also expressed satisfaction at having first-choice goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali back in the squad after nearly two years out due to injury.

“Our top players are getting ready, and I’m confident we will find the right strategy,” Häuptle said. “Hazel Nali is back, and over the past months I have worked hard to bring all the players together. Some have overcome injuries, and now we have the full squad available, which is key — especially in strengthening the goalkeeping department.”

The 2026 WAFCON will mark Zambia’s fifth appearance at the tournament, following previous outings in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2024.

The tournament, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, is scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.