Latest news with #NoraHäuptle
CAF
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
In Mohammedia, Zambia and DR Congo sang in unison
Inside the El Bachir Stadium for the final night of competition in this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, the supporters of Zambia and the DR Congo offered a rare moment: a football match transcended by a breathtaking community. And at the heart of this magical evening, a flash of lightning. Rachael Kundananji's goal in the ninth minute. A world-class effort, in a setting transformed into a volcano of sound. One goal, one roar The match had not yet found its rhythm when the Zambian striker was already striking. In the ninth minute, from a direct free kick slipped by the woman Zambian fans nicknamed "Kunda," Rachael Kundananji left Congolese goalkeeper Ruth Kashala no chance. 1-0 for Zambia. "It's a goal she knows how to score," Zambian coach Nora Häuptle commented after the match. "She only needs half a second. I'm proud of the way she carries the team, always with such simplicity, such efficiency, and above all, such energy." The goal instantly awakened the green and orange stands at the South Bend. The Zambian supporters, who came in large numbers with flags, drums, and vuvuzelas, made the stands shake. "Chipolopolo, Chipolopolo, Zambia ni moto moto!" (Zambia is fire, fire!) they shouted in unison in Kiswahili. The Congolese people responded: drums, faith, and Lingala But the DR Congo fans were not to be outdone. Dressed in red, blue, and yellow, the Congolese had also prepared their own score. And they responded with remarkable collective power, resuming the chants with drums and vuvuzelas. "Congo na biso, tokolinga yo seko!" (Our Congo, we will always love you!) "Fimbo na fimbo!" (Blow for blow!) The words resonated loudly, carried by hundreds of passionate chests. The stands seemed to echo each other from one corner to the next, in a musical duel paralleling the battle on the pitch between two neighbouring countries. On the pitch, the Leopardesses tried to respond. Thanks to the power of Naomie Kaba Kaba and the technique of Merveille Kanjinga, the Congolese women finished the first half dominating possession, but without managing to truly trouble Petronela Musole. A tense second half, carried by the stands After the break, the tension was visible. Zambia, firmly defending their lead. Kundananji dropped back to create gaps, while the midfield of Ireen Lungu and Racheal Nachula closed off the spaces. The Congolese women kept putting pressure on Zambia. And the chants continued: "Tokolanda yo Congo!" (We'll follow you, Congo!). In the Leopardesses block, the women danced, the men clapped. It was a party nonetheless, even if the scoreboard refused to budge. In the 68th minute, the Congolese team's best chance came: a long-range shot from Olga Massombo, deflected for a corner by a beautiful volley from Petronella Musole. The Congolese bench rose as one. But the equalizer still did not come. Nora Häuptle: "We were united, and that's the key" After the match, Nora Häuptle wore a wry smile. Her team did not fully control the match, but they won with determination and qualified for the quarterfinals. "What I liked was the discipline. We knew the DR Congo would push, and we defended as a team. Rachael was decisive, but the whole team held firm. And above all: what support from our fans today! It was like playing in Lusaka." The usually discreet Swiss coach did not hide her emotion at the spectacle in the stands: "I've never seen such an atmosphere in El Bachir. Seeing our supporters and those of the DR Congo responding to each other with music, with so much respect... That's also what this WAFCON is all about. A source of pride for all of us." Hervé Happy: "We lost on a minor detail." On the Congolese side, frustration mixed with dignity. Hervé Happy, the Leopardess' coach, regretted the lack of realism but praised his players' spirit: "It's a match we mustn't lose. But we conceded an early goal and chased the score. Our girls gave everything they had. I remember their desire, audacity, and courage." Asked about the exceptional atmosphere, Happy cracked a smile: "It was exceptional. The fans carried us. I heard chants I hadn't heard since the stadiums of Kinshasa... That's Congo. Even in defeat, we sing. And I'm sure we'll come back stronger." El Bachir's Best Night In this Mohammedia stadium, the site of several Group A matches, the duel between Zambia and the DRC will remain the emotional highlight of the tournament. Not for the scoreline, but for what happened around it. Supporters from both sides stayed long after the final whistle. They exchanged chants, smiles, dances, and even selfies with the players. Some impromptu mixed circles around the main stand. "Tonight, I saw the Africa I love," summarized Joëlle, a Congolese student living in Casablanca. "Sisters, brothers, songs, and football. It wasn't just a match. It was a celebration." And as the floodlights slowly dimmed on the El Bachir Stadium, the voices continued to resonate. One goal was enough. But that night in El Bachir, an entire stadium won. Gaining in intensity, in volume, in pure emotion. In the stands, Zambia and DR Congo traded blows, chants against drums, smiles against silence. On the pitch, Kundananji struck, and the Copper Queens held on. The score remains fixed, but the memory is full.
Morocco World
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Zambia vs DR Congo: When, How to Watch WAFCON 2025 Group A Final Match
Rabat – The final Group A match of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations will take place on Saturday at 8:00 pm local time at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Morocco. The game will see Zambia face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in what promises to be an exciting and emotional match between two determined teams. Fans can watch the match live on CAF's official broadcast partners in Africa, with streaming and updates also available on CAF's website and social media pages. For those in Morocco, tickets are available to attend the match in person at the stadium. This match carries different goals for each team. For Zambia, the Copper Queens, this is a crucial game. A win could see them finish first in their group, especially if Morocco drops points in their game. Even a draw might be enough for Zambia to qualify for the quarterfinals, but it would likely place them second in the group. The team comes into the match full of confidence after a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Senegal. That victory showed their strength in attack and their ability to recover after a weak start. Coach Nora Häuptle has said the players are ready and focused on finishing strong. For DR Congo, the match is more about pride and progress. After two losses, the team no longer has a chance to qualify, but they are determined to finish the tournament with a positive performance. Coach Hervé Happy said the team showed improvement against Morocco and is learning and growing. The switch to a more defensive 3-5-2 system has helped them stay more organized, and their fast forwards give them the ability to strike quickly on the counterattack. Even though they have conceded six goals in two games, the coach believes the players are on the right path and wants to show that the future is full of hope. Tags: DR CongoMatchWAFCONZambia
CAF
12-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Zambia - DR Congo: A clash of opposing ambitions to close Group A
Zambia and DR Congo are preparing to face each other for the first time in the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This duel, scheduled for Saturday evening at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia (8:00 pm local time), will be the final game of Group A. For the Copper Queens, the stakes are clear: secure their spot in the quarterfinals and, if possible, finish first. For the Congolese, it is all about securing their first victory. Zambia full of confidence The Copper Queens are approaching this match with confidence. "We are ready. We want to finish top of the group. The match against DR Congo is an opportunity to conclude this first chapter in this competition," said coach Nora Häuptle at a press conference. The stunning 3-2 victory against Senegal, achieved after coming from behind, reinforced their confidence: "We got off to a poor start, but the next 70 minutes were very solid. Our transitions hurt." This is the first time Zambia has won a WAFCON match after conceding the opening goal. They also have a six-match unbeaten run in the group stage (three wins, three draws). It is worth noting that Zambia has never lost their third group match in the final phase. DR Congo: Progress to be solidified "We're still in the race to win a match and go out with honours," insisted coach Hervé Happy. Despite the two defeats, the Congolese coach emphasized the progress made: "Against Morocco, the spirit and organization were very good. We showed that the team is capable of producing good play." Tactically, the switch to a 3-5-2 formation with a low block seems to have stabilized the team: "We're able to attack very quickly on the counterattack, thanks to the speed of our forwards." The downside remains the defense, with six goals conceded in two matches. Managing Absences in Zambia Grace Chanda's suspension is a blow. "She's an exceptional player, but she's coming back from a long-term injury. Missing this match will allow her to recover," Häuptle clarified. Mata Tembo, back, should provide defensive solidity. A Contrasting Style Zambia plays a game of rapid transitions, relying on the verticality and explosiveness of their attacking leaders. The DRC, for their part, seek to defend as a block and surprise on the counterattack. Häuptle is wary: "DR Congo have robust forwards and skilled midfielders. They're a team on the rise." The stakes of the match For Zambia: first place in the group is within reach. A win combined with a draw for Morocco would see them finish top. A draw could be enough to qualify, but with the risk of finishing second. For the DRC: even without hope of qualifying, the goal is to finish on a positive note, avoid a third defeat, and above all, send a strong message: the team is progressing, and the future is full of hope. This third matchday of Group A promises a clash between Zambian confidence and Congolese pride. While the standings clearly favour the Copper Queens, the DRC have shown that they are capable of responding and delivering uninhibited football. This is what the Mohammedia crowd expects: a final act played with intensity and dignity between two neighbouring countries.
CAF
10-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nora Häuptle (Zambia): 'There is no elevator to success.'
With a clear and effective method, Nora Häuptle relies on discipline, active listening, and a deep focus on collective values to help her team grow Around stars like Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji, Zambia is built on a united, humble squad deeply rooted in its heritage The goal is to win the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 and etch the Copper Queens into the history books of African football She arrived in Lusaka with her whiteboard, her Swiss accent, and above all, her clear ideas. Since January this year, Nora Häuptle has been the new head coach of the Copper Queens. At 41, the former Ghana national team coach has taken the reins with one clear ambition: to transform a talented group into genuine contenders for the continental title. The challenge is massive. Their first test came in February against Malawi (a 2–3 loss), and in April, they made good on promises during a tournament in China. Slowly but surely, a sense of cohesion is building around a united squad and a game identity that's taking shape. 'We're taking it step by step—there's no elevator to success,' says Häuptle, clear-eyed and already fully invested in the Zambian project. In a football-mad country, the Swiss coach quickly found her footing. With leaders like Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji - international stars yet deeply rooted in their culture—Häuptle promotes humility and high standards. She listens, consults, decides. And above all, she unites. A few weeks out from the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, Zambia is clearly stating its ambitions. Drawn into a challenging group alongside Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal, the team moves forward with one goal in mind: to bring the trophy home. Because here, everyone believes. Nora Häuptle most of all. You took over Zambia in January. How have your first months been at the helm of the Copper Queens? Nora Häuptle: Thank you. I started on January 1st. In February, we played two matches against Malawi, and in April, we took part in an international tournament in China. So far, the journey has been good. We've mainly focused on our playing principles and a slightly refined style. The players are very open-minded. What surprised you most about Zambian football and your players? What struck me the most is the incredible passion. People in Zambia are crazy about football. Wherever I go, even outside of a professional setting, people approach me and share their love for the game. There's a deep connection to football and a shared vision: to bring a trophy home with the women's team, just as the men's team did in 2012. In fact, I sense even more excitement around the women's national team than the men's. These emotions and this passion drive me deeply. How have you built your relationship with this squad, especially key players like Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji? It's an honour for me to work with such exceptional players. We have incredible talent on this team, but what impresses me most is their humility. On a human level, they're very grounded, deeply connected to their roots—even though they're superstars. That comes through in small gestures. For example, in February, the training fields were in poor condition. I expected them to complain, but they didn't say a word. They trained with full commitment. I appreciate that they never forget where they come from, that they support their communities, and that they are role models. For my part, I try to engage with them as equals—collaboratively, always open to their input. Of course, I have to make the final call, but for now, I feel a very strong bond and deep commitment within this group. You coached Ghana before Zambia. You clearly have a deep investment in African football. What makes it so special to you? For me, it's a privilege to work in Africa. There's a vast reservoir of talent—not just in the players, but in the potential for overall development. With Zambia right now, I genuinely feel there's a chance to raise the level of the game. I enjoy playing the role of 'developer'—taking teams to the next level. And then there's the incredible passion for football. I've also learned so much culturally. I strive to stay open-minded, because it's a true exchange: I give, but I also receive so much. I'm deeply inspired by the continent's history and its people. I really want to continue this journey here. This upcoming TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 will be your first. What does it mean to you professionally and personally? Yes, it'll be my very first WAFCON, my first major tournament on the continent. With Ghana, I had qualified the team after three years of work. That was a great journey. Now I have the pleasure of participating with Zambia. For me, it's a kind of fulfilment. It's also a chance to prove our worth at the highest level. We've invested so much into this team, with so much passion. And in Zambia, we all share one vision: to bring a trophy home. That's a huge motivation for me. I just want to make sure we move forward step by step, with curiosity and enthusiasm. I can't wait for the tournament to begin. Zambia will be in Group A with Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal. What's your analysis of the group? It's a fairly diverse group in terms of playing styles. I know Senegal a bit from my time with Ghana. They're a very physical team, with technically skilled players. Many of them play in France, a physically demanding league. DR Congo is home to the current CAF Women's Champions League winners (Editor's note: TP Mazembe), which means a strong club foundation. Often, these clubs form the backbone of the national team. So we're expecting a tough, combative match there. As for Morocco—you can clearly see the results of their federation's investment, for both men and women. Their game is more possession-based. Zambia recently played them in Olympic qualifiers, so we're familiar with their approach. How do you manage the collective pressure? Yes, expectations are high. But personally, I don't read much of what's said around us—I try not to let outside pressure into my mind. I always come back to the small daily steps of our work. I know there's no elevator to success, only stairs. I prefer to focus on our performance. I always say: if we work hard on our performance, results will follow. So I stay focused on that. How do you build unity in a team that's increasingly under media scrutiny? I think we've built an inner life unique to our group, and that's our focus. For me, team stability is rooted in its values. We're still in that process—defining our values together, understanding what they mean concretely, and then living them daily. I believe that when that foundation is strong, even if there are ups and downs in performance, we never lose what matters most. We can lose a game, yes—but we must never lose our values. Coming back to that base helps us face pressure with greater composure. How do you balance the experienced internationals with the young talents from the local league? Recently, our U17 team qualified for the World Cup, which proves the depth of talent we have here. We do have some very gifted young players, and I'm gradually bringing them into the senior setup. For me, it's the squad as a whole that matters. We need to build a system around our key players. We have some outstanding individuals, so the challenge is finding a way to make them work together effectively on the pitch while maintaining team cohesion. For example, during the tournament in China in April, some of our key players couldn't travel. It was an opportunity to give game time to younger players—and I believe in them. They stepped up. For me, it's all about finding the right balance. Coach, you're still young, but let's talk legacy. What do you hope to leave behind in Zambian football? I only started at the beginning of the year, so I'm not thinking much about legacy yet. But the vision of the country—and the players—really inspires me: to win a trophy. That's a clear goal. Beyond that, I'd also like to be remembered as a good person, someone who stayed true to her values. Someone who shared her passion for football, but also someone who inspired others, both in sport and beyond—here in Zambia.
