ACCRA — Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has launched a scathing attack on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) tie-break regulations following Zambia’s controversial elimination from the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Despite securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Malawi on Wednesday night, the Zambian national team was dumped out of the tournament under head-to-head rules that the Swiss tactician described as “completely weird” and against the spirit of the game.
The Head-to-Head Deadlock
The dramatic conclusion of the group stage saw Zambia, Malawi, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons all finish level on six points.
Instead of utilizing overall tournament goal difference—which would have favored Zambia—CAF regulations dictate that tied teams must be separated based on goals scored exclusively in matches involving the three deadlocked sides.
Under this framework, Nigeria secured top spot with four goals, while Malawi clinched the second qualification slot with three goals. Zambia, having only managed two goals in the matches against their direct rivals, finished third and were subsequently knocked out.
“It Feels Completely Weird” — Häuptle
An emotional Häuptle did not hold back during her post-match press conference, questioning why a team with the best defensive and offensive statistics in the group was heading home.
“We scored the most goals in this group, and we conceded the least goals,” Häuptle told reporters, as quoted by the Lusaka Times. “Sometimes I’m not sure if we do the right things with this kind of regulations because it feels completely weird that we are out.”
Häuptle praised her players for giving their all but maintained that the administrative framework penalizes teams unfairly.
Players Vow to Return Stronger
Despite the heartbreak of an early exit, the Copper Queens’ leadership remained defiant and proud of their tournament showing.
Team captain Barbra Banda stated that the squad would process the disappointment and use it as a learning curve to return stronger in future international competitions. Echoing the captain’s sentiments, star striker Racheal Kundananji expressed immense pride in the team’s fighting spirit, emphasizing that the players left everything on the pitch.
