Football Association of Zambia and Head Coach Nora Hauptle Part Ways After WAFCON Disappointment

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially announced a mutual separation from Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle, ending her tenure with the national team. The decision follows a series of high-level discussions between the association and the Swiss tactician’s representatives. Hauptle, who is well-known in West Africa for her previous stint as the head coach of Ghana’s Black Queens, departs her role less than two years into a three-year contract, marking a significant shift in the leadership of one of the continent’s most prominent women’s football programs.

The termination of Hauptle’s tenure comes primarily in the wake of a disappointing performance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco. Under her guidance, the Copper Queens suffered an unexpected early exit in the group stage, a result that fell short of the high expectations set for the squad. Most critically, this early elimination meant Zambia failed to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, representing a major setback for a program that had recently been on an upward trajectory.

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya indicated that the separation was made in the best interests of both the coach and the association. While Hauptle’s appointment was initially viewed as a strategic move to professionalize the squad and build on their previous successes, the failure to meet key tournament benchmarks necessitated a change in direction. The association has expressed a clear intention to redirect the team's trajectory to ensure they remain competitive at the highest levels of international football.

Moving forward, the Football Association of Zambia is expected to begin the search for new leadership to guide the Copper Queens through their next major competitive cycle. The immediate focus for the incoming technical team will be the 2028 Olympic qualifiers. As the team transitions, the priority remains on stabilizing the squad and reclaiming their status as a dominant force in African women's football while preparing for future global tournament qualification phases.