Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has vowed that the Copper Queens will leave nothing to chance in their final Group C match against Malawi as the race for a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) reaches a dramatic conclusion.
The Zambians began the tournament in spectacular fashion, crushing Egypt 6-0 in their opening match, but their momentum was halted by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria, leaving qualification delicately poised heading into the final round of group fixtures.
With Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi all still in contention for the two quarter-final places, Wednesday’s matches promise a tense finish to one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle, a former Switzerland international who previously guided Ghana’s Black Queens and served as head coach of the Swiss women’s national youth teams. Photocredit: CAFOnline
Speaking after the loss to the Super Falcons, Häuptle insisted her side had already shifted its focus to the decisive encounter.
“It was in our hands and we did not take the chances. It was all there that we could beat Nigeria. Now it’s to focus on the next game, stand up again. We will go out fully against Malawi.”
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The Swiss coach admitted her players failed to make the most of the opportunities they created against Nigeria and pointed to defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly.
She also acknowledged that goalkeeper positioning played a part in Asisat Oshoala’s eighth-minute winner.
“We just allowed Nigeria two breakthroughs in the first half. Dangerous breakthroughs and they scored.”
“It was also a little positional error on the keeper. Usually when we are in a bit higher position, this can happen. We have a fantastic keeper but in this situation, she didn’t look good.”
The permutations heading into the final group matches leave little margin for error – says Nora Häuptle.
Nigeria face Egypt, while Zambia take on Malawi, with all three leading teams still capable of reaching the knockout stage.
Victory for Zambia, coupled with a Nigeria win over Egypt, would leave both sides on six points and guarantee qualification.
However, if Malawi defeat Zambia while Nigeria fail to beat Egypt, the Copper Queens could be eliminated in a stunning twist.
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Should the top teams finish level on points, CAF’s tie-breaking regulations, including goal difference and head-to-head records, will determine which nations progress to the quarter finals.
