Copper Queens Won’t Take Egypt Lightly, Says Häuptle
Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle has declared her squad ready for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C opener against Egypt tomorrow in Rabat, Morocco.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on Monday, Häuptle gave all 25 players a clean bill of health adding that they are fit and available for selection.
“We know that we will play our starting game against Egypt, the football nation. We don’t underrate them of course but the focus is very much on us. We have experience on how to build the energy towardsthe starting game and we are cool,” Häuptle said.
The Copper Queens coach said the team has spent the last few weeks been refining its tactical approach, with emphasis on creating space, keeping possession and being able to adjust during the game.
“I would say 25 players in the squad are all fit, ready and also can’t wait to start. We also examined our opposition very well.”
Häuptle said the team is placing greater importance on delivering a strong performance than chasing the result.
She expressed confidence that sticking to the team’s identity and game plan would give Zambia the best chance of making a positive start to the tournament.
“It’s about performance. We are not focused on the results. We always believe that when our performance is well the results will always follow.”
And Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda said the onus is now on the players with the technical bench having done its part.
Banda said everyone in camp is focused on the game and determined to start off to a great start.
“The Coaches have done their part and it’s now up to us players to deliver. Our focus is on tomorrow game. We will be taking a game at time,” Banda said.
The match against Egypt will kick off at 19:00 Zambian time at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
