Zambia’s Copper Queens have been drawn in Group B of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship, where they will face Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Botswana in a tournament that forms a key part of preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the long-term push toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Group B Presents Familiar Regional Test
The regional showpiece, scheduled to run from 18 February to 1 March in South Africa, will see Zambia renew familiar southern African rivalries. As two-time COSAFA champions—having lifted the title in 2022 and successfully defended it in 2024—the Copper Queens enter the competition with growing expectations and a reputation as one of the region’s most consistent forces. Their previous final appearances in 2019 and 2023 further underline their sustained dominance at this level.
Competitive Tournament Line-Up
Hosts South Africa headline Group A, where they will face Malawi, Lesotho and Angola, while Group C features Mozambique, Namibia and Madagascar, completing a competitive and well-balanced tournament structure. With multiple nations using COSAFA as a development platform ahead of continental qualifiers, the championship is expected to be fiercely contested across all groups.
Interim Leadership and Squad Rotation
Zambia will approach the tournament under interim leadership, with head coach Nora Elizabeth Häuptle set to miss the championship. Assistant coach Charles Haalubono is expected to take charge on the touchline. The Copper Queens are also likely to field a squad dominated by fringe and emerging players, as the core group prepares simultaneously for WAFCON through an international training camp. This strategy reflects Zambia’s effort to balance immediate regional competition with broader continental ambitions.
COSAFA’s Role in WAFCON and World Cup Preparations
Despite squad rotation, COSAFA remains a vital proving ground. For Zambia, the tournament offers an opportunity to test squad depth, build competitive rhythm, and maintain winning culture ahead of WAFCON. The continental tournament, set for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April, carries enormous significance, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, raising the stakes for every preparatory match.
Conclusion
As the Copper Queens prepare to defend their COSAFA crown, the focus extends beyond regional success. The 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship will serve as a crucial stepping stone toward WAFCON and the ultimate goal of returning to the global stage, as Zambia continue to establish themselves as one of Africa’s rising forces in women’s football.
