Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle has taken responsibility for the team’s 3-2 loss to Malawi.
The Copper Queens capitulated in the second half after going up 1-0 courtesy of a Rachel Kundananji goal six minutes into the match.
Coach Häuptle says it was her decision to change the formation when she added a second striker in Penelope Mulubwa that opened up the team and allowed the Scorchers a chance to capitalize.
“We had a very good start in the game. First half, we had absolute control over the game. We were dominant and started to play football in possession. We scored the first goal and we could have had a second goal.With the first half I Am really satisfied,” she told the ZamFoot Crew during the post match interview.
“The second half was on me, I wanted to add something offensive, we switched to 442 and brought in a second Steiner because we wanted to chase the lead. We basically invited the opponents with a horrible square pass which we can’t play at this level. I know we play more possession football there will be errors sometimes, and today we saw that we can get punished. It’s a learning process.”
The former Black Queens coach believes the team needs to improve in a number of areas especially when they lose the ball.
“Unfortunately two players needed to leave the pitch injured, Evarine [Susan Katongo] and Esther,
[Siamfuko ] we got the balance back and scored 3-2, then we got half chances, with Barbra hitting the bar and Nachula missing at the last minute,” she said.
“So basically, I think you already saw that the team adjusted well in the first half. We played an amazing game in the first half , but we still have a lot of areas to improve. We need to be stable in the rest of the defense so that when we lose the ball we can quickly get it back. This is a process we need to show the players some videos and practice in training,” she added.
The Copper Queens gaffer is full of respect for Malawi and believes they are among the top six best teams on the continent.
We also need to respect Malawi. They are a good team with World class players on the pitch from Olympique Lyon , Kansas City, they are a top team and are not to be underrated, what they showed us today in transition,” she said.
“Yeah, It was a good squad they brought , top players, for me it was a very good test at a high level, I rate them among the top six/eight on the African continent. They challenged us.”
On the team’s preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place from July 5 to July 26 in Morocco, Häuptle expressed confidence in her team’s preparation.
“There’s still enough time to work on the areas where we’re weak before the tournament. First, we need to find the right players and [integrate them ] with the former squad. We have games scheduled for April, including a potential tournament abroad with two or three matches. Then we’ll have another period of preparation at the end of May before focusing on WAFCON.”
The Copper Queens wrapped up their two-match FIFA International Friendly series with a 3-2 defeat to Malawi at REIZ Arena (formerly Woodlands Stadium) on Tuesday.
The Copper Queens started brightly and took an early lead in the 6th minute when defender Martha Tembo’s shot ricocheted off the post, falling kindly for Racheal Kundananji, who made no mistake in slotting home her second goal in as many games.
Despite Zambia’s early dominance, Malawi responded strongly after the break. The Scorchers drew level two minutes into the second half when Ngambo Musole misjudged Rose Kabzere’s effort, which Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga set up.
Chawinga turned provider once again in the 56th minute, threading a well-timed pass to Faith Chimzimu, who slotted home to put Malawi ahead. Two minutes later, Sabina Thom extended the visitors’ lead with a well-taken strike, making it 3-1.
Nora Häuptle’s side responded with substitutes Mercy Chipasula and Racheal Nachula combining in the 80th minute. Nachula rose highest to head home Chipasula’s cross to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Below is the full post match press conference
