2024 WAFCON: Nora Häuptle admits Zambia were outclassed after quarter-final exit

Zambia’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations journey came to a halt on Friday after a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Nigeria.

Head coach Nora Häuptle conceded the superiority of the Super Falcons, calling the loss a clear and deserved one.

“It’s a clear defeat for us. We have to accept that Nigeria was better than us.

None of us were at our best, neither the players nor me,” said Häuptle, who previously managed Ghana’s Black Queens.

Zambia, who had reached the semi-finals in the 2022 edition, were outmatched in every department by a well-drilled Nigerian side, whose dominance was evident from the first whistle.

The result ended the Copper Queens’ hopes of reaching the final four this year and highlighted the growing gap between the tournament’s elite and emerging teams.

For Häuptle, the result was not entirely surprising.

She pointed to the gulf in experience and physicality between the two sides, attributing Nigeria’s success to the international pedigree of their players.

In the Nigerian team, almost everyone plays abroad. We don’t have a lot of talent. We have noticed that physically, we are not at the same level, she explained. We must find solutions so that our players can go abroad and develop.

The defeat has prompted calls within Zambian football circles to re-examine player development structures and offer more opportunities for domestic talent to gain experience outside the country.

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— Zambia Women’s National Soccer Team (@CopperQueens) July 18, 2025

Häuptle echoed these concerns and suggested long-term investment is key to bridging the gap.

Despite the disappointment, the Swiss coach remains optimistic about the team’s future.

Zambia’s showing at the last Women’s AFCON had earned them continental respect, and Häuptle believes the foundation has been laid for future growth.

We’re on the path to growth, she said. We’ll participate in the next tournament. We’re motivated and we’ll continue to improve.

The Copper Queens now turn their attention to regrouping and building on the lessons learned.

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Five different players score five goals for the Super Falcons sending them to the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 semis! ???? pic.twitter.com/8SUnmFTTb2

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 18, 2025

With increasing interest in women’s football in Zambia, coupled with the growing potential of the national squad, there is cautious optimism that the team can make deeper runs in future tournaments—provided the right steps are taken to develop talent and increase exposure at the highest levels.