Häuptle Confident in Stronger Squad Ahead of WAFCON Qualifier Against Namibia

Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Häuptle says she believes her side has a stronger squad on paper compared to Namibia as the Copper Queens prepare for the first leg of their Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final-round qualifier on Wednesday at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Häuptle said she expects a tough encounter despite her confidence in the quality of her players.

“I expect a very well-prepared team from Namibia’s side. We know they have a new coach. When we look at the squad list, we have better players on our line-up, but we also expect Namibia to prove themselves as a team with a good strategy,” she said.
“It will be a tough challenge. We are here to take the initiative — we want to score and be dominant. Then we’ll come back home and play in front of 30,000 to 40,000 crazy Zambian fans in Ndola.”

The Swiss coach confirmed that captain Barbara Banda and Fridah Mukoma are unavailable due to injuries but emphasized her trust in the rest of the squad.

“Yes, we have Barbara Banda injured and Fridah Mukoma out with an ACL injury, but this is also a chance for others to step up,” Häuptle explained. “Kundananji will take over the captaincy. We have full confidence in the players here to perform.”

She also hinted that some young players could feature in the match, including Eneless Phiri and Blessing Mapalo, both standouts from the domestic league.

“I always build on young players when they have the quality. I trust them, and I have no doubts they will perform,” she said.

The Copper Queens’ camp has now received Grace Chanda (USA), Lushomo Mweemba, and Martha Tembo (both Turkey), joining Rachael Kundananji (USA), Ireen Lungu (China), and Xiomara Mapepa (China). Only Prisca Chilufya of Angel City FC (USA) is yet to join the team.

Zambia will host the return leg on Sunday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with aggregate winners qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.