Häuptle breaks down Zambia's loss to Banyana Banyana
- Dennis Kegengo
- Jun 4
- 2 min read

Photo Credit - Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
Zambia women’s national team head coach Nora Häuptle admitted her side struggled to capitalise on key moments in their latest defeat to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
“There were some good actions and also some bad actions,” said Häuptle after the game. “We didn’t have enough players in the box when it mattered, and today, our top players were not at their best, and that can happen.”
Banyana wrapped up the Three Nations Challenge in style on Tuesday, defeating Zambia 2-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville in a tightly contested and often physical clash between the two regional neighbours.
After a 0-0 first half, Banyana stepped up the intensity in the second period, with Bongeka Gamede breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute with a stunning free-kick – her first goal for coach Desiree Ellis’ side.
The momentum stayed with Banyana, and Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead in the 82nd minute to secure the win and the tournament title.
Meanwhile, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis commended her players for sticking to their game plan, while also highlighting areas the team still needs to improve on as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco in July.
“Today, this was a true team effort. We stuck to the game plan, we denied them space, and we moved the ball around quickly,” said Dr Ellis. “We still have a lot of work to do. There were moments where Zambia got behind us, and we need to get better at that. Especially in the middle of the park, we gave the ball away unnecessarily.”
Zambia, who came into the fixture after a 1-1 draw with Botswana a few days ago, posed a tough test for Banyana Banyana throughout the game.