Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono says Zambia’s main objective is to win the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), insisting the team is preparing for every opponent rather than focusing solely on Malawi.
Haalubono was responding to comments made by Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili, who recently claimed he knows the Copper Queens’ strengths and weaknesses ahead of the two sides’ Group C clash.
Speaking to BolaNews, Haalubono said Zambia’s preparations are centred on the bigger picture of lifting the continental title.
“We always plan for every game. We cannot only plan for Malawi. We’ve got a bigger task ahead of us. Our plan, or what we are always working on, is to win WAFCON. So we cannot just plan for one team,” Haalubono said.
The assistant coach acknowledged that Malawi have developed into a competitive side and deserve respect, particularly given the number of meetings between the neighbouring nations in recent years.
However, he stressed that the Copper Queens must approach every opponent with the same level of seriousness.
“Yes, they are. They have improved, but we can’t just plan for Malawi; we should plan for all the teams in the group. We have played Nigeria. We know them, so we respect every team. Knowing them in and out will not help, but what you do on the pitch will.”
Fazili’s Warning
Before Malawi departed for Morocco, Fazili expressed confidence that he understands Zambia’s game and believes that knowledge could benefit the Scorchers.
“I know much about Zambia: their weaknesses and strengths,” Fazili said.
The Malawi coach also cautioned against underestimating nine-time champions Nigeria, who complete a challenging Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
“For Nigeria, we shouldn’t underrate them; they are a big side. I will not tell you more because it’s like we are revealing how we have prepared,” he added.
Zambia’s Group C Fixtures
The Copper Queens begin their WAFCON campaign against Malawi on 25 July, before taking on Egypt on 28 July and concluding the group stage against Nigeria on 1 August, as they aim to challenge for their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
