Former Copper Queens head coach Charles Bwale believes Zambia has what it takes to excel at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for August.
Zambia is in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, as well as Egypt and Malawi.
Speaking in an interview, Bwale expressed confidence in the current crop of players despite the team’s mixed results in recent international friendlies.
“We have very good players in our national team today. In the first game we were humbled 6-1 by Brazil, then we lost 4-0 to Canada before drawing 1-1 against South Korea,” Bwale said.
He noted that according to first assistant coach Charles Haalubono, some key players were unavailable during the opening two matches, with the full squad only available for the final fixture against South Korea.
“In the first and second matches at the FIFA Series in Brazil, some players were not available, but in the last game all the players were there. Looking at that performance against South Korea and the 1-1 draw, I could see the talent in the team. It was a great showing from our national team,” he said.
“We have quality players” – Bwale.
Bwale added that Zambia has the quality to challenge strongly at the continental showpiece and even mount a title challenge.
“Even lifting the WAFCON is possible because we have quality players in this team,” he said.
On deciding who would lead the technical bench after the departure of Nora Hauptle, ahead of the tournament, Bwale said he would leave such decisions to the Football Association of Zambia leadership.
“About the coaches before WAFCON, I should leave that in the hands of those responsible for choosing the technical bench,” he said.
However, he stressed that the team must improve defensively and work on physical fitness if they are to compete at the highest level.
“Somehow, we have to tighten our defense and improve more in terms of physical fitness,” he added.
Meanwhile, Keith Mweemba, president of the Football Association of Zambia, has revealed that the association is in discussions with England, Burkina Faso, and Kenya for international friendly matches to help prepare the Copper Queens for the WAFCON tournament.
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