Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono says Zambia is focused on winning the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rather than concentrating on a single opponent, following Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili’s claim that he knows the Copper Queens’ weaknesses and strengths.
Responding to Fazili’s remarks ahead of the two sides’ Group C meeting, Haalubono told BolaNews that Zambia’s preparations are centred on every team in the group and the overall objective of lifting the continental title.
“We always plan for every game. We cannot only plan for Malawi. We’ve got a bigger task ahead of us. Our plan, or what we are always working on, is to win WAFCON. So we cannot just plan for one team,” Haalubono told BolaNews.
The Copper Queens assistant coach acknowledged that Malawi will provide a tough challenge, especially with the two teams having faced each other more frequently than Zambia’s other Group C opponents in recent years.
Asked whether the Scorchers pose a threat to Zambia, Haalubono said Malawi have improved and deserve respect, but insisted the Copper Queens must prepare for all their opponents.
“Yes, they are. They have improved, but we can’t just plan for Malawi; we should plan for all the teams in the group. Yes. We have played Nigeria. We know them, so we respect every team. Knowing them in and out will not help, but what you do in the pitch will.”
What did Fazili say?
Fazili, who has previously made bold statements ahead of clashes with Zambia, warned the Copper Queens before Malawi’s departure for Morocco, saying he is familiar with Zambia’s qualities.
“I know much about Zambia: their weaknesses and strengths,” Fazili said.
The Scorchers coach added that while he knows Zambia well, his team must not underestimate record champions Nigeria, who are also in Group C alongside Zambia, Malawi and Egypt.
“For Nigeria, we shouldn’t underrate them; they are a big side. I will not tell you more because it’s like we are revealing how we have prepared,” he said.
Zambia will open their WAFCON campaign against Malawi on July 25, 2026, before facing Egypt on July 28 and concluding the group stage against Nigeria on August 1.
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