Hauptle shifts focus to Malawi after Nigeria setback

Zambia coach Nora Häuptle has moved quickly to reset her side and turn attention to Malawi after the Copper Queens suffered a 1-0 loss to Nigeria in their second TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2026 Group C match in Rabat on Saturday night.

A seventh-minute strike from Asisat Oshoala proved to be the difference at Al Madina Stadium, as the Copper Queens went down fighting.

The Nigerian striker got onto a through ball, beat the offside trap and finished past Hazel Nali for what would be the only goal of the game.

Häuptle kept faith with the same eleven that opened the tournament with a 6-0 win over Egypt. Nigeria made five changes after losing to Malawi in their first match.

Zambia started well and looked composed in possession. Nali was tested early by Oshoala but the goalkeeper made the save. Moments later the Super Falcons broke through again and this time Oshoala did not miss.

The Copper Queens felt they should have had a chance to equalize midway through the first half when Barbra Banda was brought down in a dangerous area. The referee initially awarded a free kick but VAR intervened and the decision was overturned.

The game turned again when Nigeria defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card. She was first cautioned for a challenge on Banda, but after a VAR review the yellow was upgraded to red for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Zambia played with a numerical advantage for more than 60 minutes.

Häuptle made four changes at halftime, sending on Enelesi Phiri, Evarine Katongo, Mercy Chipasula and Saliya Mwanza to add energy in attack. The coach was then forced into another change when Racheal Kundananji picked up an injury and had to come off.

With more of the ball in the second half, Zambia pushed Nigeria back and created a string of half-chances. The final ball and the finishing let them down. Shots were blocked, crosses missed their targets, and the team could not find a way past a resolute 10-player Nigeria defense.

After the match Häuptle said her team had controlled large spells but did not take the chances that came.

“It was in our hands and we did not take the chance. It was all there that we could beat Nigeria tonight,” Häuptle said.

She said there was no time to dwell on the result.

“We now need to gain points and we need to beat Malawi to stay in the tournament,” she said.

Kundananji, speaking after being substituted, called on supporters to stick with the team.

“They shouldn’t give up on us so easily. We still have another game and we are going to do our best,” Kundananji said.

Defender Margaret Belemu said improvements were needed in both attack and defense if Zambia are to get the result they need.

The loss leaves Zambia second in Group C on three points, ahead of Nigeria on goal difference. The group also includes Egypt and Malawi.

The Copper Queens now turn to their final group match against Malawi on August 5, 2026. A win will take them through to the quarterfinals. Häuptle’s task will be to get her attackers firing again after a night where possession did not translate into goals.