HÄUPTLE EYES SUPER FALCONS CLASH… AS MAPEPA MISSES OUT

17.07.3025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle says her team is focused, fearless, and ready to battle as Zambia gears up for a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown against Nigeria at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.

Addressing the media during Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Häuptle delivered a mixed update on team news—confirming that influential midfielder Grace Chanda is back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension, while winger Xiomara Mapepa has been ruled out of the tournament on medical grounds.

“My team is ready for the quarterfinal,” Häuptle declared. “We had a good evolution through the group stages—we were unbeaten. We’re excited to enter the knockout stage. It feels a bit like a final already: Zambia against Nigeria. I hope it will be a very entertaining game for all of us.”

Fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead, Häuptle acknowledged Nigeria’s pedigree but made it clear that Zambia won’t be holding back.

“Of course, we are here to hunt. We respect that Nigeria is a several-time winner of this tournament. I think they’re in the role of the favourite in this game. But I can assure you, my team is very hungry.”

The Copper Queens take on the Super Falcons on Friday at 18h00 CAT at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with a coveted semifinal spot on the line.