COSAFA: Zambia going for repeat performance against Zimbabwe – Chilenga

Zambia women’s national team striker Maweta Chilenga says the Copper Queens are determined to carry its opening match form into Sunday’s clash against Zimbabwe at the COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane, South Africa.

Speaking to FAZ Media ahead of the second group match, Chilenga said the team is ready for the “battle of the Zambezi.”

Zambia ready to face Zimbabwe

“Looking at the fact that we managed to create chances and get three goals I think we are ready for the match on Sunday against Zimbabwe,” said Chilenga.

Chilenga made it clear the 3-0 win over Botswana in the first match is behind them.

“That win against Botswana is past glory and we won’t relent knowing fully well that Zimbabwe is a different side. They have a better side they have good runners; they have experienced strikers, they are physical. So, we won’t relent and always remember the 3 nil against Botswana,” added Chilenga.

Chilenga noted while Zambia created many chances in the opening match, the team was not clinical enough in front of goal which said has been addressed in training.

“We managed to create scoring opportunities although we missed a lot but I think we have worked on that and made sure that going into Sunday we will score more than we missed in the previous game.”

Chilenga warns Zambia of Zimbabwe

Despite Zambia’s victory over Zimbabwe in the recent Three-Nations Tournament in Malawi, Chilenga warned against underrating their opponents.

“Zimbabwe is very good and I think they made some defensive lapses the time we played them in Malawi; we capitalised on them; we got all the three goals. They have a very experienced striker and they have a very good midfielder partnering with the striker and they managed to get one goal,” said Chilenga.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has reinforced the Copper Queens technical bench currently in Polokwane, South Africa for the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed that Wisdom Kaira, assistant coach at Indeni Roses and Enala Phiri head coach at Konkola Blades Queens, have joined the technical bench as deputies to first assistant coach Charles Halubono.

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle, who had initially been expected to lead the team in South Africa, has returned to her base in Switzerland to complete an assignment that may not conclude in time for her to take up her role on the bench during the regional tournament.

“As indicated earlier in the week, Nora should have been with the team but the association allowed her time to complete her assignment and looking at the turn of events, it is prudent that Nora should complete her task and come to Zambia to start her WAFCON base, whose starting date falls within the COSAFA period,” Shepande clarified.

The Copper Queens are scheduled to begin preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on February 24.

Zambia Eye Consistency After Strong Start

Speaking to FAZ Media ahead of Sunday’s encounter, Chilenga stressed that while the opening win was encouraging, the team understands the importance of staying grounded.

“Looking at the fact that we managed to create chances and get three goals, I think we are ready for the match on Sunday against Zimbabwe,” she said confidently.

However, she made it clear that complacency will not creep into the squad.

“That win against Botswana is past glory and we won’t relax knowing fully well that Zimbabwe is a different side. They are physical, they have experienced strikers, and they are very competitive. We cannot approach this game the same way.”

Her comments reflect a mature mindset within the squad — one that recognizes that tournament football demands consistency rather than isolated performances.

Clinical Finishing a Key Focus

Despite the convincing scoreline against Botswana, Zambia created far more opportunities than they converted. Chilenga acknowledged that improving efficiency in front of goal has been a priority in training sessions.

“We managed to create scoring opportunities although we missed a lot. We have worked on that and made sure that going into Sunday we will convert more of our chances,” she explained.

In knockout-style competitions like COSAFA, missed chances can prove costly. Fine margins often separate victory from disappointment, especially against opponents with strong attacking threats like Zimbabwe.

Respect for a Dangerous Zimbabwe Side

Zambia may have defeated Zimbabwe during the Three-Nations Tournament in Malawi earlier this year, but Chilenga cautioned against underestimating their neighbors.

“Zimbabwe is very good. When we played them in Malawi, they made some defensive mistakes and we capitalised. But they have an experienced striker and a strong midfield partnership. They are always competitive.”

Zimbabwe’s ability to transition quickly and apply physical pressure makes them a difficult opponent. Their tactical discipline and experience could test Zambia’s defensive organization.

The rivalry between the two nations adds another layer of intensity, with regional pride at stake.

Technical Bench Reinforced Amid Coaching Adjustments

Away from the pitch, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has strengthened the technical team in Polokwane to ensure stability during the tournament.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed that Wisdom Kaira and Enala Phiri have joined the technical bench as deputies to first assistant coach Charles Halubono.

The move follows the temporary absence of head coach Nora Häuptle, who returned to Switzerland to complete prior professional commitments. Häuptle is expected to rejoin preparations ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Shepande clarified the decision:

“It is prudent that Nora completes her task and comes to Zambia to start her WAFCON base, whose starting date falls within the COSAFA period.”

This strategic planning highlights FAZ’s broader focus beyond COSAFA.

Eyes on WAFCON Preparation

While the immediate focus remains on COSAFA, preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) are already underway.

The Copper Queens are scheduled to begin WAFCON camp on February 24, signaling a packed calendar ahead.

For Zambia, COSAFA serves as both a competitive tournament and a testing ground. Players are not only fighting for regional success but also for places in the WAFCON squad.

This dual objective adds urgency and internal competition within the team.

What Is at Stake for Zambia?

A victory against Zimbabwe would strengthen Zambia’s position at the top of the group and boost momentum heading into the knockout stages.

Maintaining defensive solidity while improving finishing efficiency could make the Copper Queens one of the most balanced sides in the tournament.

Chilenga’s message is clear: past victories mean nothing if standards drop.

The “Battle of the Zambezi” is more than just another fixture — it is a test of discipline, maturity, and ambition.

Final Outlook

Zambia enter Sunday’s match confident but cautious. With attacking quality, technical reinforcement on the bench, and WAFCON preparation looming, the Copper Queens are navigating a crucial phase of their campaign.

If they can combine their creative play with sharper finishing, they may once again assert dominance in regional competition.

But as Chilenga warned, Zimbabwe will not make it easy.

The stage is set for another intense chapter in one of Southern Africa’s most compelling rivalries.