Copper Queens coach Nora Elizabeth Häuptle believes her side had a good game in the first leg in South Africa against Namibia but they still have things to work on.
The COSAFA giants beat Namibia 4-2 in the first leg to carry an advantage into Sunday’s second leg set for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Swiss gaffer is happy with the result and says the match shows how much the team has improved on the ball.
She however says there are some things to work on especially stabilizing for the full 90 minutes unlike dropping the tempo after some time.
“Yeah, basically we had a very good start in the game, I would say fully in control, very determined, defending, the ball was mostly in the air from Namibia’s side, we worked good on the first ball, second ball and especially the possession, I think we showed how much we improved on the ball, for me a very good half an hour, 35 minutes, in the end with the result fully happy, it’s a good first leg, a good result also with the away goal rule for the second game Sunday here in Ndola,” she said.
“Well, basically we focus on us, it’s always our attitude, our approach to being hungry, we don’t rely now on this first result, I think also besides just focus on the result it’s always to focus on our performance. There are always details to work on. We also want to stabilize the performance over 90 minutes and not drop down after 35 minutes so we are pretty convinced that also with our spectators in the back that we will show a good performance and qualify for the WAFCON.”
The gaffer has called on the fans to show up in numbers to support the team. Häuptle is hoping to have a sold out stadium at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
“Yeah obviously you see we arrived well in in Ndola back with a long travel journey we are absolutely looking forward for the Sunday game we hope really that maybe we can do once again a sold-out stadium that would be our dream it’s always to have goosebumps to be carried so Zambia Ku Chalo, I hope everybody is travelling to Ndola and will support us Sunday in the game,” Häuptle said.
Bay FC forward Rachel Kundananji scored a hat-trick while Rachel Nachula added a goal as the Copper Queens beat Namibia 4-2 at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, South Africa.
The winner over two legs will book a ticket to the WAFCON.The top four teams at the WAFCON will qualify to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
