Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Häuptle has questioned the fairness of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) tie-break regulations after the Copper Queens were eliminated from the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite finishing with six points, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest in Group C.
Zambia’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals ended despite a 2-1 victory over Malawi in their final group match.
How Zambia Missed Out
The Copper Queens finished level on six points with both Nigeria and Malawi after Nigeria defeated Egypt 6-2 in the other Group C fixture.
Under CAF’s regulations, results against the bottom-placed team, Egypt, were excluded when separating the three tied teams.
That left Zambia, Nigeria and Malawi each with three points in the head-to-head mini-league. With goal difference also identical, qualification was decided by goals scored in those matches.
- Malawi: 4 goals
- Nigeria: 3 goals
- Zambia: 2 goals
As a result, Malawi progressed as group winners, Nigeria finished second, and Zambia were eliminated.
“It Feels Completely Weird”
Speaking after the match, Häuptle said the Copper Queens fully understood the regulations before the tournament but questioned whether they truly reward the strongest teams.
“Empty? No, we knew the regulations. We were prepared and we knew exactly that we needed to have two goals in difference.”
“It just feels very weird because basically we gained six points in this group, like Nigeria and like Malawi. We scored the most goals in this group and we conceded the least goals in this group. Sometimes I’m not sure if we do the right things with these kinds of regulations because it feels completely weird that we are out.”
Questioning the System, Not the Clarity
The Swiss tactician stressed that her criticism was not about a lack of transparency but whether the regulations produce the fairest outcome.
“We are aware of the regulations, they are clear and transparent. I’m not criticising that they are not clear, but I question if they are the right regulations.”
Häuptle acknowledged that the rule was introduced to prevent already-eliminated teams from influencing qualification by heavily affecting the final standings, but questioned whether excluding those results always identifies the best teams.
“This rule was invented because when a team is already out, they don’t want them to let go of the last game and affect the score. But we had Egypt in the first game and we dominated. We were so dominant in that match. So I question if this is really the right rule to bring the best teams forward.”
Proud of the Team’s Progress
Despite the disappointment, Häuptle highlighted the progress made by the Copper Queens since she took charge.
She pointed to Zambia’s improved defensive organisation, attacking output and the emergence of several young players.
“I think you saw the evolution which we have done from the last WAFCON to this WAFCON. We conceded only two goals against two top teams in the world.”
“We scored eight goals, conceded two and we are out. It’s difficult to accept.”
The coach also dismissed suggestions that the absence of injured star Racheal Kundananji was responsible for Zambia’s elimination.
“My team is good enough to play also when Kundananji is not on the pitch. It’s not only about two players. We have a very competitive squad, a lot of young players. We brought five or six Under-20 players here who are upcoming, improving and performing well.”
Future Remains with FAZ
Häuptle said she remains fully committed to the Copper Queens project but acknowledged that her future rests with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
“I’m here to support this team. I see a project, I see humans, I see our growth and development. This is my philosophy.”
“As long as we think that I am the right person for this job and I can support and deliver, I will always be here for the Copper Queens. If the federation thinks there is something better to take this job, then I am always the first one who will give my chair away.”
Conclusion
Although the Copper Queens’ WAFCON journey ended in heartbreaking fashion, Häuptle believes Zambia demonstrated that they can compete with Africa’s elite.
The Swiss coach leaves the tournament convinced that the team’s performances were worthy of a place in the knockout stages, even if CAF’s tie-break regulations ultimately brought their campaign to an end.
