In late 2024, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed the appointment of Nora Häuptle as the head coach of the Zambian women’s national team following the departure of Bruce Mwape.
Mwape oversaw the Copper Queens at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. His most notable achievement was leading Zambia to an unprecedented third-place finish in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
However, the Zambian faithful yearned for a coach that would elevate the Copper Queens to the next level, transforming them from underdogs to dark horses in global tournaments.
In February 2024, Häuptle, then Ghana’s women’s national team coach, locked horns with Mwape for the first time. Zambia edged the Black Queens 4-3 on aggregate across two legs in the third round of the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers.
Despite the loss, Häuptle suggested Mwape’s Copper Queens were lagging tactically and needed to improve if they were to fulfill their potential. So when the Swiss trainer took the helm of the Copper Queens, expectations were high among Zambian soccer fans and pundits.
BolaNews delves into a statistical comparison of Häuptle’s first games in charge of Zambia with Mwape’s last matches in the hot seat.
We will compare Mwape’s and Häuptle’s last 12 matches with Zambia against African opposition (excluding COSAFA tournaments) given that all but two of the latter’s games in charge have been against teams within the continent.
This includes matches at the WAFCON, international friendlies, and Summer Olympics preliminaries.
Does Häuptle need time to match Bruce’s record?
Mwape won eight of his last 12 matches from July 2022 to July 2024, representing a win percentage of 67%. In contrast, Häuptle has managed six wins, which is only 50%. The former recorded two draws and two defeats while the latter endured three stalemates and as many losses.
The Copper Queens were a free-scoring side during Mwape’s tenure, netting 28 goals compared to Häuptle’s 22. Defensively, Mwape’s side conceded just eight goals, far less than the 18 Häuptle’s Zambia have conceded. Mwape’s defense secured seven clean sheets in that time, while Häuptle’s backline has had four so far.
According to the numbers, Mwape takes the win in this matchup, with his Copper Queens side securing more wins, scoring more goals, and letting in fewer during his stewardship.
A section of fans and pundits have criticized Häuptle’s approach and performance as the Copper Queens boss, calling for Mwape’s return. Meanwhile, others have argued that she needs more time to integrate her play style and philosophy into the players.
Well, the clock is ticking for Häuptle, who will lead Zambia at the 2026 WAFCON next month, where they will face Egypt, Malawi, and Nigeria, who put five past the Swiss tactician’s team during the previous edition.
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