‘Zambia must modernise’ – Mwembe Kaona sounds alarm after Copper Queens’ shock WAFCON exit

Respected sports administrator Mwembe Kaona believes Zambia’s early exit from the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers should trigger a serious national review of the tactical direction of the Copper Queens.

Kaona says the growth of women’s football in Zambia has not been matched by similar progress in the team’s tactical identity, leaving a gap between the quality of players available and what they are able to produce collectively on the pitch.

“Zambia’s women’s football has evolved in talent, ambition, and global presence, yet the tactical system guiding that talent has not kept pace. The result is a widening gap between what the Copper Queens are capable of and what their current tactical identity allows them to achieve,” he noted.

The administrator believes Zambia must now move beyond an approach built largely around improvisation, direct play and emotion, insisting that the Copper Queens need a modern and clearly structured football philosophy capable of competing with Africa’s elite.

Nigeria defeat exposes weaknesses

Kaona pointed to Zambia’s contrasting performances as evidence of the team’s considerable attacking ability but also its tactical limitations.

The Copper Queens’ 6–0 demolition of Egypt demonstrated their capacity to overwhelm opponents in attack. However, their defeat to Nigeria, despite the Super Falcons being reduced to 10 players, highlighted problems in controlling matches and exploiting numerical advantages.

For Kaona, the result reflected a tactical approach that has become increasingly predictable against well-organised opposition.

“Zambia’s long-standing reliance on direct, transition-heavy football has become predictable. Against disciplined opponents, hopeful long balls are easily neutralised, midfielders are bypassed, and the team loses control of the match tempo,” Kaona said.

He argues that Zambia’s next step should be the introduction of a defined game model that gives players a clear understanding of how the team should build attacks, press, defend and create opportunities.

Call for a complete tactical overhaul

Kaona wants the proposed model to be implemented throughout the women’s football structure, from youth teams through to the senior national side.

Such an approach, he says, would provide the Copper Queens with recognisable patterns of play, defined responsibilities and greater consistency, rather than relying on individual brilliance or moments of inspiration.

Among his proposed reforms are improvements to the team’s build-up play, the development of midfielders capable of receiving possession under pressure and full-backs who understand when and how to make underlapping runs.

He also wants Zambia to make greater use of the half-spaces as attacking channels, while developing a coordinated pressing system, controlled transitions and rehearsed set-piece routines.

‘Possession is not a luxury’

Kaona insists greater control of possession must become a central component of Zambia’s approach, particularly when facing the continent’s strongest sides.

“Possession is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Against elite teams, Zambia must learn to slow the game down, stretch the pitch, and create chances through structured patterns rather than desperation,” Kaona said.

He believes the disappointment of the WAFCON setback could ultimately provide an opportunity for meaningful change if the country responds with unity and a willingness to rethink its methods.

“The Copper Queens are no longer outsiders. To match that expectation, Zambia must modernise its tactical identity. If Zambia embraces tactical reform… the Copper Queens will not only return stronger—they will redefine African women’s football.”