The Copper Queens of Zambia have stepped up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) entering the final leg of preparations for Africa’s biggest women’s competition.
Copper Queens Assistant coach Charles Haalubono said the squad has made good progress during its preparations and is now entering the final stage before the continental showpiece.
Speaking before the team’s departure from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Tuesday, Haalubono thanked the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for giving the technical bench enough time to prepare the players.
“I want to thank FAZ for giving us the opportunity to prepare the team adequately. We have been preparing for quite some time, and everything has gone very well.”
He said the training camp in Algeria would give the Copper Queens another chance to assess themselves ahead of the tournament, adding that the North Africans play a style similar to group opponents Egypt.
Haalubono also welcomed the Government’s assurance that player payments would be taken care of.
The Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club mentor said the Copper Queens will now focus entirely on the task of competing at the tournament.
He added that the players had responded well to the programme and that the coaching staff was now concentrating on the final adjustments before the opening match.
“The girls have worked extremely hard over the past two weeks. Tactically, they have been very good, and now it’s just a matter of polishing up.”
The Copper Queens will remain in Algeria for their final preparations before travelling to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they will begin their campaign for continental honours.
