By Chansa Kunda | ZNBC
The Copper Queens will face Senegal in an international friendly match ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu confirmed the development in an interview with ZNBC, saying the game has been organised to help the team fine-tune as they prepare to face Africa’s best female teams during the continental showpiece. The semi-finalists at WAFCON will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Mr. Nkandu explained that changes have been made to the team’s camping destination, which was initially set for Dubai. He said the team will instead travel early to Morocco, where additional friendly matches will be organised in the run-up to the competition.
The Minister further clarified that no changes have been made to the Copper Queens’ technical bench, dismissing social media speculation. He stressed that Head Coach Nora Häuptle remains in charge and will guide the team during WAFCON.
WE ARE OUT of WAFCON in the group stages & the coach is not to blame. Senegal is as good as playing Malawi. How do you expect the team to prepare adequately to face Nigeria?
WE shall be back home by April, so that you can prematurely fire Norah and pay her a hefty sum.
Last time we played them we got smoked out of our bubble with a 5 – 0 beating! WAKE UP FAZ & Ministry of Sports. We can do better to help the team qualify to the World Cup.
Things looks like we have given up on winning the women’s cup as has been the target.