Copper Queens head coach Nora Elizabeth Häuptle is expected to link up with the Zambia Women’s National Team in Algeria as preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) enter the final phase.
The Swiss tactician will not travel to Zambia before the tournament, with the team set to depart for Algeria on Monday, 13 July, following two weeks of intensive training in a local camp.
Assistant coach Charles Haalubono has been overseeing the local preparations in Häuptle’s absence.
Final Phase Begins in Algeria
The Copper Queens will spend approximately two weeks in Algeria as they fine-tune preparations ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco.
During the North African training camp, Zambia will play two international friendly matches against Algeria on 19 July and 22 July.
The two teams are then expected to travel together on a chartered flight from Algeria to Morocco ahead of the start of the tournament.
The friendlies will provide Häuptle with an opportunity to assess her squad and make final adjustments before naming her team for the opening match.
Tough WAFCON Challenge Awaits
Zambia has been drawn in Group C, where they will face defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and COSAFA rivals Malawi.
The Copper Queens will be aiming to improve on their bronze-medal finish at the 2022 edition while also chasing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The top four teams at WAFCON will secure automatic qualification for the global tournament.
Focus on Morocco
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August, with Africa’s top women’s national teams battling for continental glory.
With Nora Häuptle set to take charge of the squad in Algeria, Zambia’s preparations will enter a crucial stage as the Copper Queens seek to arrive in Morocco fully prepared.
Conclusion
The arrival of Nora Häuptle in Algeria will complete the Copper Queens’ technical setup ahead of WAFCON 2026.
After a productive local camp under Charles Haalubono, attention now shifts to the international friendlies, where Zambia will look to build momentum before the tournament begins.
