By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Nora Hauptle has described Zambia’s 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco in Saturday’s opening match of the 2025 WAFCON in Rabat as satisfactory.
Zambia were leading two-one until the dying minutes of the second half when Morocco levelled to see the two sides open the WAFCON with a draw at Stade Olympique.
Hauptle said in a post-match interview in Rabat that Zambia will have to make some adjustments for their next Group A match against Senegal.
“I would say in 60-70 minutes, I am very satisfied with the performance. We need to adjust, we gave our all, we need to strike the best attack, so there are a few things. Of course, we need to adjust, but I guess the box defending was rarely accepted. We offered so many chances out of it,” Hauptle said.
Zambia, which didn’t have the luxury of three pre-tournament friendlies like Morocco, didn’t show any rust and took the lead as early as the 1st minute.
Barbra Banda breezed through Morocco’s defence to fire in the opening goal and her debut WAFCON goal.
But Morocco equalised in the 12th minute from the penalty spot when Grace Chanda fouled Najat Badri.
Ibtisssam Jraidi stepped up to convert the penalty to level matters.
Zambia restored their lead in the 27th minute through Rachael Kundananji who benefited from a fine assist from Banda.
Banda and Kundananji could have added a couple of more goals, but their chances went begging.
Morocco improved after the hour mark, but it took them until the 87th minute to find the goal they were seeking.
Ghizlane Chebbak banged in a long-range shot that looped over Zambia goalkeeper Ngambo Musole to save the hosts from an opening day defeat.
“It was like they wanted to play. It was nothing but surprises, but we shall give it our best shot and compete in each game we play,” Hauptle said.
Zambia returns to action on July 9 in their penultimate Group A game for a debut meeting against Senegal.
