COPPER Queens head coach Nora Hauptle has declared that her squad is ready to fight for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) crown as they kick off their campaign against hosts Morocco tomorrow.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of the much-anticipated opening clash, Hauptle said her focus is fully on Zambia as her mission is clearly leading the team in their quest for glory.
With Morocco still licking wounds from their Olympic heartbreak, the Zambian girls know exactly what is at stake but they are confident and eager to carry the day.
“Yes, I worked with Ghana, but I’m here now, my team is Zambia, I know where I belong to,” Hauptle stated confidently.
“We want to come here to hunt. I think we are all very hungry, the players and me, to hunt for a title.”
The Swiss-born coach said her players are ready to face the pressure of playing against the host nation, adding that her squad is determined to start the tournament on a strong note.
The Copper Queens, who recently eliminated Morocco from the Olympic qualifiers, are expected to face a tough test as the hosts seek revenge in front of their home fans at the Olympic Stadium at 22:00 hours CAT.
Despite the anticipated electric atmosphere, Hauptle insisted her side is focused and ready to compete from the first whistle.
Meanwhile, Zambia Women’s team captain Barbra Banda, who has terrorised Moroccan defenders in the past, says her squad may have changed faces over the years, but the Copper Queens’ bond remains strong.
“We have been together for a long time and we are united. It’s not about individuals or the most expensive player, it is about teamwork,” Banda said.
She added that while some players like herself carry big reputations from their clubs, their focus is purely on making the country proud as a team, not as individuals.
Meanwhile, there is even more reason for the Copper Queens to sharpen their claws at this year’s WAfCON, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a massive boost in prize money for the tournament.
CAF has doubled the prize money for the winner, with the champions set to pocket a whopping US$ 1 million, while the overall prize pool has been increased by 45 percent, bringing the total to US$ 3.475 million.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 4, 2025
