Häuptle happy with Zambia unity, terms it key to WAFCON quarters qualification

Zambia women’s national team head coach Nora Häuptle has credited the team’s 1-0 win against DR Congo which sealed their place in the quarterfinals of CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (WAFCON) to unity within the Copper Queens squad.

The Copper Queens reached the last eight after forward Rachael Kundananji’s early strike at Stade El Bachir, Mohammédia proved decisive as they finished second in Group A behind hosts Morocco, and will now meet the winners of Group B in the last eight.

“What I liked was the discipline. We knew the DR Congo would push, and we defended as a team. Rachael was decisive, but the whole team held firm. And above all: what support from our fans today! It was like playing in Lusaka,” said Häuptle as quoted by CAFOnline.

On the atmosphere at the stadium, the Swiss tactician said: “I’ve never seen such an atmosphere in El Bachir. Seeing our supporters and those of the DR Congo responding to each other with music, with so much respect… That’s also what this WAFCON is all about. A source of pride for all of us.”

While stressing that Zambia’s success so far at the WAFCON was as a result of teamwork, Häuptle reserved praise for Kundananji, who won the woman of the match.

“It’s a goal she knows how to score. She only needs half a second. I’m proud of the way she carries the team, always with such simplicity, such efficiency, and above all, such energy.”

Zambia finished with seven points, the same as Morocco, who defeated Senegal 1-0 in their final group fixture at Olympic Stadium in Rabat.