Copper Queens Coach Nora Häuptle Reflects on 2-2 WAFCON Opener Draw Against Morocco

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle remained positive after Zambia played to a thrilling 2-2 draw with tournament hosts Morocco in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Speaking after the match, Häuptle praised the team’s effort, especially in the first half, but acknowledged there are areas that require improvement.

“We started well. It was a very solid first half, and we created good chances,” Häuptle said. “Morocco is a very strong team with technically good and skillful players, and when they made their substitutions, they brought fresh energy and pushed us deeper. The last 20 minutes, they put us under a lot of pressure.”

Zambia twice took the lead in the match but allowed Morocco to equalize each time, with the hosts’ final goal coming late in the second half to deny the Copper Queens a historic opening victory.

“We need to be more clinical. We created enough chances to put the game to bed, but we didn’t take them,” Häuptle noted. “It’s something we’ll work on ahead of the next game.”

When asked if her goalkeeper could have done better on Morocco’s second goal, Häuptle defended the team, stressing their collective approach.

“Our first-choice goalkeeper was unavailable due to a medical issue, but I don’t want to blame individuals. For us, it’s about communication, team unity, and our values. We win and we learn together.”

The Swiss tactician also explained that the shift in momentum in the second half was partly tactical, but largely due to Morocco’s strong response.

“They added more dominance in midfield and forced us to adjust. It’s not that we gave away many clear chances, but we lost control in key moments,” she admitted.

Despite the result, Häuptle remains optimistic about Zambia’s chances in Group A and praised her players for their fighting spirit.

“We showed good character. It’s a good result against the host nation. Now we focus on recovery and prepare for the next challenge.”

Zambia will next face Senegal on Wednesday July 9 in their second group match as they aim to secure qualification to the knockout stages.