Copper Queens defender Margaret Belemu has declared that Zambia’s primary objective at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup while also mounting a serious challenge for the continental title.
Speaking during Wednesday’s training session at the University of Lusaka, Belemu said the squad is fully focused on the task ahead as preparations intensify before travelling to Algeria for a pre-tournament training camp.
The Copper Queens will play two international friendlies against Algeria as part of their build-up to the tournament in Morocco.
Algeria Friendlies to Provide Valuable Test
Belemu believes the two matches against Algeria will be crucial in helping Zambia fine-tune its preparations before the tournament begins.
She explained that Algeria’s style of play closely resembles that of Egypt, one of Zambia’s Group C opponents, making the friendlies an ideal opportunity to assess the team’s readiness.
“Our main objective is to go and qualify for the World Cup and also challenge to win the WAFCON title,” Belemu said.
“I think the two friendlies against Algeria will give us an idea of how Egypt plays because they have the same style of play. So, it’s a good friendly that will help gauge ourselves on how we are playing as a team.”
Respect for Group C Opponents
The experienced defender admitted Zambia faces a difficult group that includes defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and neighbours Malawi.
However, she insisted the Copper Queens will approach every match with confidence while giving each opponent the respect they deserve.
“It is a very tough group. We all know how Nigeria plays, also Malawi is a good side and Egypt is a good team. We are not underrating any team.”
Reflecting on Zambia’s previous encounter with Nigeria at the last WAFCON, Belemu said the team has learned valuable lessons and is determined to produce a stronger performance this time around.
“We had a tough game against Nigeria at the last edition, so I think we have a lot of things to work on as a team. They should expect a tough game from us this time.”
Road to Morocco
The Copper Queens have already begun their preparations in Lusaka before departing for Algeria, where they will complete their final phase of training and play two friendly matches.
Zambia will begin its WAFCON campaign on 28 July before facing defending champions Nigeria four days later.
Their final Group C fixture will be against Malawi’s Scorchers on 5 August, with the top two teams progressing to the quarter-finals.
The stakes are even higher this year, with the top four teams at WAFCON securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Conclusion
With WAFCON fast approaching, the Copper Queens are fully focused on achieving another historic milestone.
Margaret Belemu’s comments underline the squad’s ambition to not only compete for the continental crown but also secure Zambia’s place at a third consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup.
