WAFCON 2024: Zambia’s identity was clearly shown in Senegal win – Häuptle

Zambia women’s national team Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has discussed the team’s hard-earned win against Senegal in their second fixture of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia on Wednesday.

Having surrendered a late goal in a frustrating 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco in their opener, the Copper Queens spearheaded by captain Barbra Banda demonstrated their quest to fight for the title with a pulsating 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group A contest.

However, it was Senegal, fresh from beating DR Congo 4-0 in their first game, who took the lead when Nguenar Ndiaye finished off a through ball from Méta Kandé. Zambia, however, responded when Banda brought them level following an assist from Racheal Kundananji.

Six minutes into the second half, Zambia retook their lead after Kundananji turned the scorer this time, showing poise in the box to find the back of the net. Banda, who had terrorised the Senegalese defence all game, extended Zambia’s lead in the 73rd minute with her second of the night, reacting fastest to a corner and firing home.

Senegal threatened a comeback seven minutes later when Ndiaye was brought down in the area and she converted the penalty, making it 3-2. Despite Senegal’s goal, Zambia held on to secure a vital win.

“We had a very bad start in the game. It was an entertaining game but not good for the blood pressure of the coach,” Häuptle told reporters as quoted by Bola News. “There was ‘kukakata’ as we say it in Zambia, which means to have this spirit, to burn, to defend.

“You saw Barbra (Banda) was even playing as a centre-back at some point, helping out in defense. I think we showed and proved our values on the pitch: love, unity, and passion. I think our identity was clearly shown, and in the end, a very deserved victory from our team. I’m very excited.”

On conceding four goals in two matches, the Swiss tactician responded; “I think defending wise, we did not concede out of open play. It was just set pieces, so defensively, there were a lot of good elements on the pitch that we could build on. The rate of our chances is okay. Then we need to do better.

“I think against Morocco, we had a very determined defensive performance. As I said, there are two goals out of set pieces [which we have conceded]. Today, also one goal, a penalty which I would not give like that.

“Again, I said this, in the beginning, we were a bit sleepy and got caught by a long call with bad communication. But I think we see that we are getting much more stable and much more mature in defending.”

The win lifted Copper Queens to four points in Group A, while Senegal, who had been eyeing early qualification, must now regroup ahead of their final group match.