Zambia women’s national team coach Nora Häuptle has admitted that her tactical changes applied in the second half contributed to the Copper Queens’ 3-2 defeat to Malawi this yesterday.
Having taken the lead through Rachael Kundananji in the first half, the Copper Queens went on to concede three times, losing to the Scorchers of Malawi at the Reiz Arena after a disastrous second-half performance.
Speaking at the post-match media briefing, Häuptle said her decision to switch to a more offensive formation exposed the Copper Queens in the second half.
“It was my decision to go with the 4-4-2 formation. I take this on me and I always take responsibility. Maybe I was too bold with that decision and we allowed Malawi to gain momentum,” Häuptle said.
However, the Swiss coach noted positives in the Copper Queens’ performance in the first half, during which they dominated possession.
“We had a very good start to the game. In the first half, we had absolute control over the game and dominance. We started to play football in possession, but in the second half, I take it on me,” she said.
With five months remaining until the start of the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Häuptle believes the Copper Queens have ample time to prepare for the tournament.
“Basically, it is good to have a lot of games, and now it’s time to find the right players in different spots and bring them into games. I think there is enough time; we just need to be a bit smarter and calmer,” she added.
The Copper Queens faced Malawi in two back-to-back FIFA-sanctioned international friendly matches in Lusaka, winning the first 2-0 on Sunday prior to today’s loss
