Zambia Face Morocco on Saturday
CREDIT: FAZ MEDIA
Nora Hauptle makes her competitive debut as Zambia women's national team coach on Saturday in the opening game of the 2025 WAFCON when they face Morocco in Rabat and says she's relishing the pressure of playing the tournament hosts tomorrow night.
Kickoff of the game to be played at Stade Olympique in Rabat will be at 22h00 Zambian time.
The match will also mark Hauptle's WAFCON debut since arriving on the African continent via Ghana 5 years ago.
She wasn't in charge in the two sides last four meetings, with the most recent in April 2024 during the final qualifying stage of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
"There has been some competition, of course, between Zambia and Morocco in the last few years and Zambia the Olympic qualifiers, which makes good memories. But tomorrow's game, we start at 0-0," Hauptle said.
" For me, it is always a pleasure to start an opening in a packed stadium and s vibrant atmosphere.
"I think we are very competitive. Me and my captain, Barbra (Banda) we like this (type of) atmosphere."
Zambia has won 3 and lost one game against Morocco heading into the two sides' first-ever WAFCON clash.
In their most recent encounters in April 2024, Zambia lost 2-1 at home but won 2-0 away in the final leg to deny Morocco a debut Olympic ticket.