Copper Queens boss Nora Elizabeth Häuptle says she is expecting tough and tight games at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026.
The Swedish gaffer was speaking shortly after the Copper Queens were drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Egypt and neighbors Malawi for continental showpiece.
Häuptle is however relishing the challenge because she feels if the team qualifies to the knockout stage from this group then they will be very strong.
“I know Nigeria well, so I’m excited. You know, for me, it’s cool that we can start in the tournament and we need to just raise the bar suddenly on 100%. You know, it’s no warm up time. A good group, but also Malawi, never underestimate Malawi. You know, they also have top players in the NWSL and in France,” Häuptle said.
“So I expect very tough and tight games and I think when you surpass and when you survive this group you know then you will get very strong in the knockout stage of course,” she added.
Häuptle believes proper preparations will be key for the Copper Queens to be able to face off with teams like Nigeria who have won the WAFCON a record 10 times.
“Yeah, I think we’re going to prepare as well, putting some good friendly games on the pitch to have a good strategy. For me, Nigeria, I mean, there are so many times champions of this tournament. I see our position, you know, always to try to hunt. Of course, to chase. We’re going to prepare well,” she said.
The gaffer is happy to have first choice goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali back in the fold after being out with an injury for almost two years.
“Our top players are getting ready for it and I’m sure we’re going to find the right strategy and hopefully also have the right daily mood and daily level, which is needed,” she said.
“Hazel Nali is back, so I worked a lot in the last months to bring all those players back in. Some also overcame some injuries, but I think we now have the whole squad together, and it’s a key element also that we raise the bar on the goalkeeper position, of course.”
The 2026 WAFCON will be Zambia’s fifth appearance at the tournament [2014, 2018, 2022, 2024 & 2026].
This edition of the tournament will double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.The tournament will be played from 17 March-3 April 2026.
