Häuptle hails Zambia’s spirit as Copper Queens qualify for WAFCON 2026

Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle was full of pride after guiding the Copper Queens to qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, following a commanding display in a 3-0 win over Namibia that sealed their place at next year’s continental showpiece.

“Wow, there are so many emotions out there, goosebumps!” she said. “I think we fully enjoyed this game. This is what football is about: performing in front of our spectators, feeling their energy on the pitch.

“We were willing to suffer for each other tonight, and I think we showed that we can raise the level of our football.”

Zambia’s qualification, achieved with an 7-2 aggregate win, was secured with a near-flawless performance in front of a jubilant home crowd, with the Copper Queens’ attacking verve and defensive discipline overwhelming their opponents.

Häuptle said it was as close to perfection as her side has produced in recent months.

“It was nearly a complete game. I think we were dominant, maybe we could have scored even more goals, but I’m very satisfied with my team. The celebrations with the fans were the most touching thing. I’m still full of emotion. We already had a little party in the locker room, and I think we’ll continue.”

Häuptle insisted the qualification was the product of a true team effort built on unity, belief and opportunity.

“It’s not just a team built around one or two top players. Others are stepping up too, and we need to give them the space to grow. I think we’re doing very well there, we’ve already taken an important step forward.”

The Swiss-born tactician, who has led Zambia through steady progress since taking charge, said she relishes the challenges ahead rather than fearing them.

“Honestly, I wasn’t even thinking about avoiding anyone in the draw. I never want to avoid a team, I love the challenge. Different teams bring different problems, and finding the right key is part of what I enjoy. I love to play anybody.”

Häuptle also praised the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) for expanding the upcoming WAFCON to 16 teams, a move she believes reflects the continent’s rapid growth in women’s football.

“CAF is expanding the tournament to 16 teams, and I think that’s very important. You can see other teams in Africa growing and performing. We played Malawi in February and they were outstanding. It’s good when the tournament gets bigger and more teams come in. I like this extension, maybe they can also expand the squad size, because today we only had 18 in the lineup.”

The coach was quick to deflect attention away from herself, insisting the Copper Queens belong first and foremost to their supporters.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the players. It’s a players’ game, and the national team belongs to the spectators, to the crowd, to the people. That’s what I believe. Of course, it’s an honour to lead this team. I try to stay balanced because as a manager you face many challenges and have to navigate through them.

“But in the end, I’m human too, and when moments like this come, it’s emotional. A full stadium, great football, that’s what we live and work for.”

Zambia’s tactical preparation once again proved decisive. The Copper Queens nullified their opponents’ direct play while capitalising on set-piece situations, an aspect Häuptle credited to her technical staff and players’ discipline.

“We expected Namibia to come with a lot of high balls and long balls. So when we attacked, we had to stay organised in what we call our ‘rest defence’, making sure we could handle those long balls. I think we were very disciplined and stable.

“Sometimes the plans just match the set pieces exactly as we train them. Our assistant coach told Grace yesterday, ‘You’ll get one,’ and tonight the ball was there, perfect.”

As the Copper Queens booked their ticket to Morocco, Häuptle said the evening’s joy would serve as both celebration and motivation, a reminder of how far Zambian women’s football has come, and how much higher it can still rise.

“A full stadium, great football, that’s what we live and work for. And tonight, we took the time to enjoy it fully.”