Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has declared that her side will approach their final Group C fixture against Malawi with full intensity, insisting the Copper Queens have no option but to secure victory as they chase a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Southern African rivals are set for one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the group stage, with qualification for the quarter finals hanging in the balance. After two rounds of matches, Malawi lead the group with six points, while Zambia and defending champions Nigeria have three points each. Egypt remain without a point, making the final round of fixtures decisive in determining the teams that will advance.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Häuptle stressed that her players understand the importance of the match and are fully prepared to fight for all three points.
According to the Swiss coach, Zambia have recovered well from their disappointing defeat to Nigeria and are determined to finish the group stage on a strong note.
She said the Copper Queens respect Malawi’s impressive performances but insisted her team would not hold anything back in pursuit of qualification.
“We have to go all out because this is our final group match. Every player understands what is at stake, and we are focused on getting the result we need,” Häuptle said ahead of the encounter.
Zambia began their WAFCON campaign in spectacular fashion by thrashing Egypt 6-0, with captain Barbra Banda producing a sensational four goal performance that immediately established her as the tournament’s leading scorer.
The emphatic victory raised expectations that the Copper Queens could challenge for the continental title after years of steady progress in women’s football.
However, their momentum was halted in the second group match when they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria. Despite being reduced to 10 players before half time, the Super Falcons defended resolutely after Asisat Oshoala’s early goal secured maximum points for the reigning champions.
That result has left Zambia with no room for error against Malawi.
A victory would almost certainly guarantee qualification, while any other outcome could leave the Copper Queens depending on results elsewhere.
For Malawi, confidence is understandably high after making a dream start to their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The tournament debutants stunned Nigeria 3-2 in one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history before following it with an impressive 3-1 victory over Egypt, despite playing much of the second half with 10 players.
Those back to back victories have transformed Malawi from underdogs into genuine contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.
Much of Malawi’s success has been built around the outstanding form of captain Temwa Chawinga, who has once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest forwards.
Her leadership, pace and clinical finishing have inspired the Scorchers, while teammates Rose Kadzere and Faith Chinzimu have also made significant attacking contributions.
Zambia, meanwhile, will once again rely heavily on captain Barbra Banda, whose ability to score from almost any situation makes her one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.
Alongside Banda, striker Racheal Kundananji is expected to play a crucial role as Zambia seek to break down Malawi’s disciplined defence.
Football analysts believe the clash has all the ingredients of a classic contest, with two attack minded teams facing each other in a match that could determine the outcome of Group C.
The rivalry between the neighbouring countries adds another layer of intensity, as both nations are familiar with each other’s style through previous regional competitions.
Beyond qualification, the match also carries significant importance for individual honours.
Banda currently leads the Golden Boot race after her four goal haul against Egypt, while Chawinga remains close behind after scoring in both of Malawi’s opening matches.
Supporters can therefore expect another exciting battle between two of Africa’s most prolific forwards.
Coach Häuptle has urged her players to remain calm under pressure, maintain tactical discipline and take advantage of scoring opportunities.
She also praised the team’s fighting spirit throughout the tournament and expressed confidence that Zambia have the quality needed to respond positively after the setback against Nigeria.
With a place in the quarter finals at stake, neither side is expected to adopt a cautious approach.
Instead, football fans are anticipating an entertaining encounter filled with attacking football, high intensity and fierce competition from the opening whistle.
As the group stage reaches its climax, the Zambia versus Malawi showdown promises to be one of the defining matches of WAFCON 2026, with both teams determined to keep their continental dreams alive.
