By Dorcas Francis Koji
Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has vowed that her side will leave nothing to chance when they face Malawi in their decisive final Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with a place in the quarter-finals still hanging in the balance.
The Copper Queens began their campaign in emphatic fashion, crushing Egypt 6-0 to move to the top of the group. However, their momentum was halted after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Nigeria in their second outing.
Asisat Oshoala’s early strike handed the Super Falcons victory and reignited Nigeria’s qualification hopes following their opening defeat to Malawi. The result leaves Zambia and Nigeria level on three points heading into the final round of group matches, while Malawi remain in contention after their impressive start to the tournament.
Zambia will now face Malawi, while Nigeria take on Egypt, with all three leading teams still capable of progressing to the knockout stage.
Reflecting on the defeat to Nigeria, Häuptle admitted her players failed to take advantage of their opportunities but insisted they are fully focused on securing victory against Malawi.
“We had the game in our hands, but we failed to take our chances. Everything was there for us to beat Nigeria,” Häuptle said after the match.
“Now our attention is on the next game. We have to respond positively, get back on our feet and give everything against Malawi.”
The Swiss tactician also pointed to a defensive lapse that led to Nigeria’s winning goal, saying her goalkeeper was caught out of position during the decisive moment.
“We only allowed Nigeria two dangerous attacking situations in the first half, and they punished us. There was also a slight positional mistake from the goalkeeper. She has been outstanding for us, but in that moment things didn’t go her way.”
Wednesday’s clash promises to be one of the most important fixtures in Group C. A victory for Zambia could guarantee qualification, while defeat could see the Copper Queens eliminated if Nigeria avoid defeat against Egypt.
Should Zambia, Nigeria and Malawi all finish on six points, the final standings will be determined by the Confederation of African Football’s tie-breaking regulations, with goal difference and other competition criteria likely to play a decisive role in deciding the two quarter-final qualifiers.
With qualification still within their grasp, Häuptle believes her players are ready to respond when it matters most as Zambia chase a place in the last eight of the continental championship.
Leave a comment