Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle watched the second half of Wednesday’s match against Namibia from the stands and did not address the media afterward.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has explained that Häuptle’s absence from post-match interviews following Zambia’s 4–2 victory was due to technical challenges beyond the media officer’s control but assured journalists that she would be available for interviews ahead of the return leg in Ndola on Sunday.

“We take note of your request for the post-match comments from the Zambian team after the Namibia game. Kindly note that the issue was beyond the media officer who alerted our office in good time to intervene. However, we were made aware of the technicalities on the ground that made it impossible to undertake the obligatory media engagements. We regret the inconvenience, but will avail the coach for the media engagements preceding the home game, at which you will be free to ask your questions as usual,” FAZ communication manager Sydney Mungala told journalists on Thursday morning.

While FAZ did not specify the exact nature of the “technicalities,” it is understood that Häuptle’s situation may be linked to “qualification” matters in light of CAF’s new regulations on coaching licenses. However, neither FAZ nor CAF has provided official clarification on the issue.

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