Copper Queens Set WAFCON Glory Target, Eye World Cup Qualification

Sp Sports Hunter Admin 13 Jul 2026 3 views

LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambia’s Copper Queens have declared their ambition to lift the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy and book their place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The team left Lusaka on Monday after completing their local training camp at the University of Lusaka Sports Complex before travelling to Algeria for the final stage of preparations ahead of the continental tournament.

Speaking before departure, Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono said the team is fully prepared and united by the goal of winning Zambia’s first WAFCON title.

“The team is ready, we have trained so well. I think the team is set now,” Haalubono said.

The Algeria training camp will allow the technical bench to assess the squad further, welcome foreign-based players, and strengthen the team’s tactical approach ahead of the competition. Zambia is also expected to play international friendly matches during the camp.

Haalubono said the team’s recent performances and preparations have shown positive progress, while paying tribute to former head coach Bruce Mwape for his role in developing women’s football in Zambia.

“We have the same aim, the same ambition of winning WAFCON and qualifying to the World Cup. Coach Bruce set up the base, so we must push by all means to go beyond where he left us,” he added.

Zambia will meet Nigeria in the WAFCON group stage, a fixture that brings back memories of their previous defeat against the Super Falcons. However, Haalubono believes the Copper Queens have learned from past setbacks and are ready for the challenge.

The assistant coach also praised the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for supporting the team’s preparations, saying the programme has helped improve the squad’s tactical awareness and competitiveness.

The qualification of Zambia’s U-17 Women’s National Team for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup has further boosted confidence within the women’s football setup as the senior team targets another appearance on the world stage.