With nine wins, nine clean sheets, and 29 goals scored in nine games, the Ghana Women’s National Team has sent a warning to the Copper Queens as their head coach Nora Hauptle reveals the secret behind her team’s success.
A 2-0 win on home soil last night over Benin saw Ghana stretch its unbeaten record without conceding under Hauptle.
The win sent the Black Queens to the third round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers to set up what promises to be a thrilling clash with the Copper Queens of Zambia in February next year.
Hauptle believes her team will be ready for a “top team” like Zambia.
“The last time we didn’t qualify, so this is one big point in our mission. Then in February, we face Zambia in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers,” she said on Tuesday.
Hauptle added: “We have good development in our performance…. So we need to make sure that our players are ready over the window. We need to make sure we are best prepared for Zambia, who were at the World Cup and are a top team…. But I think we will be ready for them.”
Hauptle on her secret behind unbeaten run
The Swiss trainer, who was appointed early this year in January, shared the secret behind her success so far with Ghana.
“We are a team that is hungry for success… And we have a set of values that our players follow,” she said during a post-match conference against Benin.
“Teamwork, passion, and determination have been our biggest strengths, which demand from us that we improve in every game,” she added.
Nauptle also says each player has a responsibility in the team depending on the position they are in.
“It’s an honour for every player to be part of this team, whether they are on the pitch, bench, or whatever role. They are demanded to fulfill and accept their responsibility,” she said.
“We don’t want our players to be satisfied sitting on the bench. We make video analysis and explain to the players at individual levels what they must work on,” she said.
READ MORE: Reasons why the Copper Queens should be worried about Ghana
Zambia and Ghana will clash on February 19th and 28th, 2024. The winner will face either Morocco or Tunisia for a spot at the Olympics.
The Copper Queens were handed a walkover in the second round due to Mali’s withdrawal from the competition.
Meanwhile, both teams will first shift focus to the Africa Cup qualifiers this month.
Zambia will face Angola, while Ghana will take on Namibia.
