Haalubono Responds to Fazili’s Zambia Weaknesses Claim Ahead of WAFCON
Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono has brushed aside Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili’s claims of knowing Zambia’s strengths and weaknesses, insisting the Copper Queens are focused on winning the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rather than preparing for one specific opponent.
Speaking to BolaNews, Haalubono said Zambia’s objective is to conquer Africa, meaning the technical bench is preparing equally for every opponent in Group C.
“We always plan for every game. We cannot only plan for Malawi. We’ve got a bigger task ahead of us,” Haalubono told BolaNews.
“Our plan, or what we are always working on, is to win WAFCON. So we cannot just plan for one team.”
The assistant coach acknowledged that Malawi have developed into a competitive side and deserve respect, particularly given the number of meetings between the neighbouring nations in recent years. However, he stressed that Zambia cannot afford to focus solely on the Scorchers.
“Yes, they are. They have improved, but we can’t just plan for Malawi; we should plan for all the teams in the group.”
“We have played Nigeria. We know them, so we respect every team. Knowing them in and out will not help, but what you do on the pitch will.”
Fazili’s Warning
Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili recently claimed he has a clear understanding of Zambia’s game ahead of the two teams’ Group C encounter.
“I know much about Zambia: their weaknesses and strengths,” Fazili said.
He also cautioned against underestimating nine-time African champions Nigeria, who complete a challenging Group C alongside Zambia, Malawi and Egypt.
“For Nigeria, we shouldn’t underrate them; they are a big side. I will not tell you more because it’s like we are revealing how we have prepared.”
Group C Schedule
The Copper Queens will begin their WAFCON campaign against Malawi on July 25, before taking on Egypt on July 28 and concluding the group stage against Nigeria on August 1.
With Zambia targeting a first-ever WAFCON title, Haalubono made it clear that the team’s focus extends far beyond any individual opponent, with every match viewed as another step towards continental glory.
