Nora Häuptle Reflects on Copper Queens’ WAFCON 2026 Exit
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09.08.2026 | Football DNA
Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has reflected on Zambia’s disappointing exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), saying the team’s performances deserved better results.
Häuptle thanked her players and technical staff for remaining united during what she described as a difficult moment, noting that football can sometimes be painful despite the effort put into achieving a positive result.
Looking back at Zambia’s progress, Häuptle said the team had learned from its quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Nigeria at WAFCON 2024. She explained that the Copper Queens had worked hard to improve their dominance, control of matches and defensive stability.
At WAFCON 2026, Zambia won two of its group matches and, according to Häuptle, produced some impressive performances. However, she acknowledged that the team missed an important opportunity against Nigeria, particularly after gaining a numerical advantage in the second half.
Zambia’s decisive match against Malawi
Häuptle said Zambia entered the final group match against Malawi fully aware of the head-to-head rule that could determine qualification.
The Copper Queens started strongly, dominating possession and taking a 2-0 lead. However, after Malawi scored in the 71st minute, Häuptle said Zambia knew that conceding another goal would mean elimination.
She explained that the technical team introduced substitutes and activated a previously discussed “Plan B” while changing the formation in an effort to protect the lead.
However, a late effort that struck the crossbar ultimately ended Zambia’s hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.
Häuptle questions the fairness of the rule
While accepting CAF’s regulations, Häuptle admitted that the outcome was difficult to accept.
She pointed out that Zambia had collected six points, recorded the best goal difference and conceded the fewest goals, yet still failed to qualify because of the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Häuptle questioned whether football is becoming over-regulated and whether such rules can sometimes create situations that feel unnatural to the competition.
Despite the disappointment, she said the Copper Queens would maintain their sportsmanship and wished neighbours Malawi and defending champions Nigeria success in the remainder of the tournament.
The Copper Queens will rise again
Häuptle concluded by saying that the team would use the disappointment as part of its learning process and continue working towards the long-term #CopperToGold mission.
She expressed confidence that the Copper Queens would recover from the setback, stand up again and remain relentless in their development.
For Zambia, the WAFCON journey may have ended earlier than expected, but Häuptle insists the mission continues.
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