Zambia eliminated from WAFCON 2026 over CAF tie‑break rule dispute

Zambia’s women’s national team, the Copper Queens, were knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite finishing the group stage with the best goal difference. Coach Nora Häuptle (also reported as Nora Hauptle) said the Confederation of African Football’s tie‑break regulations were “completely weird” after Zambia’s 2‑1 win over Malawi left all three teams on six points. Under CAF rules, when three teams are level on points the head‑to‑head results are examined; with each team earning three points and goal differences equal, the next criterion is goals scored in those specific matches. Nigeria and Malawi had more goals than Zambia, so they advanced.

Häuptle lamented that “we scored the most goals in this group, and we conceded the least goals,” while captain Barbra Banda pledged the squad would learn from the disappointment. Striker Racheal Kundananji also expressed pride in the team’s effort despite the early exit.