Zambia national team coach Nora Häuptle has attributed their 1-1 draw against hosts Algeria in Sunday’s Women’s <a href="https://absafricatv.com/tata-nexon-will-be-launched-in-south-africa-as-the-osprey-introduction/” title=”Tata Nexon will be launched in South Africa as the Osprey – Introduction”>Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) warm-up to technical errors.
The Swiss coach also bemoaned the way the Copper Queens started the friendly at Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, where the visitors were reduced to 10 players following goalkeeper Mwila Mufunte’s late red card.
In a post-match interview with the Football Association of Zambia media after the WAFCON warm-up, Häuptle admitted that her charges did not settle quickly into the match.
Häuptle reflects on Algeria match
“We did not have a good start in the first 30 minutes,” said the coach. “We were distracted, made some technical errors and had to adjust to the heat and humidity. After that, we settled down, took control of the game and managed possession much better.”
The Copper Queens coach added that the 2022 WAFCON bronze winner deserved to win the game.
“We should have scored a second goal. It was unfortunate that we ended with a red card and then conceded a penalty. Still, it was a good test because it helped us assess the players before naming the final squad for the WAFCON,” she said.
Zambia and Algeria in a rematch
Zambia snatched the lead through Mercy Chipasula’s 47th-minute effort before captain Guellati Sofia responded for Algeria with three minutes remaining on the clock from the penalty spot.
The two teams will meet again on Wednesday before proceeding to Morocco for the WAFCON finals.
The Southern African giants will compete in the same group with defending champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, neighbours Malawi’s Scorchers and Egypt’s Cleopatras.
The Copper Queens face the Egyptians on July 28, followed by a meeting with Nigeria on August 1 and Malawi on August 5.
