Zambia’s Copper Queens suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to defending champions Nigeria on Saturday in their second Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nigeria took the lead in the eighth minute through Asisat Oshoala.
The experienced forward capitalized on a defensive lapse after goalkeeper Hazel Nali hesitated to come off her line. Oshoala outpaced Lushomo Mweemba and Rachael Nachula before calmly finding the back of the net.
The Super Falcons were reduced to 10 players in the 40th minute after Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card for a foul on Barbra Banda, giving the Copper Queens a numerical advantage heading into the second half. However, Zambia failed to make the extra player count.
Nora bemoans missed opportunity.
Speaking after the match, Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle admitted her side failed to execute the game plan.
“The objective was to be more dominant on the ball, to use our numerical advantage but the issue we had is that we started a bit back to chipantepante football,” bemoaned Hauptle during a post-match press conference.
“When you are one player more on the pitch, and you just hit every ball long from the center backs, it did not help, let’s say, to dominate the game; we should have taken much more possession. So basically, it did not really help to be a player more. We did not take over the control of possession. We tried then to bring more skilful players on the pitch and went a bit better, but we did not create dangerous attacks.”
Hauptle believed the game was there for Zambia to win, but her players failed to seize the opportunity.
“I would say it was in our hands, and we did not take the chance. It was all here that we could beat Nigeria tonight,” she said.
“Now it’s to focus on the next game. Stand up again, and we will go fully out against Malawi.”
The Copper Queens must now beat Malawi in their final Group C match to secure a place in the quarterfinals, while Nigeria will face Egypt, who have lost both of their opening matches.
