WAFCON 2026: Zambia Head Coach Sidelined By Illness, Assistant Takes Over Duties

WAFCON 2026: Zambia Head Coach Sidelined By Illness, Assistant Takes Over Duties

By Sampson Adedeji

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has explained the absence of Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle as the team intensifies preparations ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement released on Saturday, FAZ announced that assistant coach Charles Halubono will take full charge of the team during the ongoing Three-Nation Tournament in Malawi.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande revealed that Häuptle fell seriously ill in Switzerland and was unable to travel to Lilongwe as previously scheduled. 

“Coach Nora was expected to join the Copper Queens squad that left Lusaka for Lilongwe yesterday, but she informed us that she was feeling unwell and could not travel,” Machacha said via FAZ Media.

He confirmed that Halubono will lead the team throughout the tournament while Häuptle recovers.

“FAZ wishes Coach Nora a speedy recovery as the Copper Queens continue their preparations for WAFCON,” the statement concluded.