Black Queens coach Nora Hauptle has refused to blame her players despite the team’s failure to sail through to the next round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Zambia claimed a 4-3 aggregate victory in the third round of the qualifiers having won the first leg 1-0 in Accra. Despite a spirited performance that resulted in a 3-3 draw in the second leg in Ndola, the Black Queens failed to progress.
Coach Hauptle expressed her satisfaction with the overall performance of the team, acknowledging their resilience in the face of a tough match in Ndola.
She stated, “My team was brave, my team was playing football, my team was fighting, I cannot blame them at all.”
Hauptle highlighted the team’s efforts, emphasizing that sometimes football outcomes hinge on moments that could sway either way.
“In the end sometimes it’s hard and we did everything and then we get scored a free kick,” she said.
Addressing the disappointment of not progressing, Hauptle emphasized the need for the team to learn from the experience and thrive in high-pressure situations. Despite the setback, she remains optimistic about the team’s potential growth and development.
“So I don’t blame my team, I don’t think a lot of things went wrong, we just need to learn and get more of this high-pressure game,” she further added.
Ghana’s Nora Hauptle has won the hearts of many Zambians, with multiple of them calling for her hiring.
Nora said, “I think it’s nice” to coach the Copper Queens. “I know every Zambian player inside and out.”
The Swiss added that they need to improve their tactics. pic.twitter.com/fqRbaU4iWo
— Calvin Kaumba Chikenge (@CalvinChikenge) February 29, 2024
With the Paris 2024 dream halted, Hauptle now shifts her focus to preparing the Black Queens for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Swiss trainer, who successfully led the team to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2018, aims to make history with the team at the competition.
Under Nora Hauptle’s guidance, the Black Queens have demonstrated impressive form, losing only two games in 13 matches. They have secured 10 victories, scoring 37 goals, and conceding six.
As they regroup for WAFCON, the team looks to build on their strengths and learn from the Olympic qualifiers’ experience to make a strong statement on the continental stage.