After a strong 2-0 victory in her debut match as head coach of the Copper Queens against Malawi on Sunday, Nora Häuptle faced a setback in a return friendly on Tuesday at the Reiz Arena.
Zambia took an early lead in the match, with Bay FC’s record signing, Recheal Kundananji, scoring her 26th international goal just seven minutes into the game. Despite dominating possession throughout the first half and creating several chances, Zambia went into the break with a narrow 1-0 lead.
Malawi came out for the second half with renewed energy, making key substitutions that proved to be pivotal. One of those changes, Montpellier’s Rose Kabzere, wasted no time in making an impact. In the 47th minute, Kabzere capitalized on a loose ball after an incomplete pass from Lushomo Mweemba. Tabitha Chawinga latched onto the ball, squaring it to Kabzere, who slotted it low and hard past goalkeeper Ngambo Musole to equalize for Malawi.
The equalizer came shortly after Zambia’s wingback, Esther Siamfuko, was subbed off due to a shoulder injury and replaced by Magret Belemu.
The situation worsened for Häuptle’s side when fan-favorite Evarine Katongo, who was having an outstanding game, collided with teammate Martha Tembo and suffered a cut to her forehead.
Häuptle made tactical changes, withdrawing Ireen Lungu for Blessings Maluba, Natasha Nanyangwe for Racheal Nachula, and introducing Mercy Chipasula for Maweta Chilenga.
Malawi gained momentum from their equalizer, and in the 56th minute, Chawinga once again made her presence felt. She set up Faith Chimzimu, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Malawi a 2-1 lead. Just two minutes later, Sabina Thom added a third goal for Malawi, extending their advantage to 3-1.
Zambia didn’t give up, and in the 80th minute, substitutes Chipasula and Nachula combined to reduce the deficit. Chipasula delivered a well-timed cross into the box, and Nachula rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, making it 3-2.
Despite a late surge, Zambia couldn’t find an equalizer, and Malawi held on for a 3-2 victory in a thrilling friendly match.
Häuptle Reflects on Friendly Defeat
Speaking after the match, Häuptle assessed her team’s performance. “I think we can divide the game into two halves,” Häuptle began. “We had a very strong start. In the first half, we had absolute control and were dominant. We played well in possession, scored the first goal, and we should have added a second. Overall, I was truly satisfied with that performance.”
However, she took responsibility for the team’s struggles in the second half. “In the second half, I take the blame. We entered with a more offensive approach, switching to a 4-4-2 formation and bringing on a second striker. I thought we should go for the lead, but we ended up inviting the opponent’s pressure with a terrible square pass. We can’t afford mistakes like that at this level. I know when we play possession football, errors will happen, but today we saw how they can punish us.”
Häuptle also noted that her side lost some control in midfield and struggled defensively in the second half. “There’s a lot to learn from this. We had a good first half but a terrible 50 minutes after that. Still, I’m proud of the character we showed in fighting back, and we should have at least equalized.”
On the team’s preparedness for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place from July 5 to July 26 in Morocco, Häuptle expressed confidence in her team’s preparation. “There’s still enough time to work on the areas where we’re weak before the tournament. First, we need to find the right players and [integrate them ] with the former squad. We have games scheduled for April, including a potential tournament abroad with two or three matches. Then we’ll have another period of preparation at the end of May before focusing on WAFCON.”
“Usually, I think we’ll have enough time to get ready,” Häuptle concluded. “We just need to keep improving. Be smarter and calmer.”
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