Zambia Step Up WAFCON Preparations with Algeria Training Camp and Friendlies

Zambia's Copper Queens will intensify preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by holding a training camp in Algeria ahead of the continental tournament.

The team is scheduled to arrive in Algeria next Monday, where they will conclude their pre-tournament programme before heading to Morocco.

As part of their preparations, the Copper Queens will play two international friendly matches against Algeria. The fixtures are slated for Sunday, 19 July, and Wednesday, 22 July, providing both teams with valuable competitive action before the tournament kicks off.

Following the second friendly, Zambia and Algeria will travel together to Morocco for the 2026 WAFCON.

The Copper Queens have been drawn into a challenging Group C, where they will battle defending champions Nigeria's Super Falcons, regional rivals Malawi, and Egypt for a place in the knockout stages.

Zambia will begin their campaign against Egypt at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July, before taking on their remaining group opponents.

With several of their key players expected to feature, the friendlies against Algeria are expected to help head coach and his technical crew fine-tune tactics, assess player fitness, and build momentum ahead of the tournament.

Opinion

Zambia's decision to organise a dedicated training camp and two high-quality friendlies reflects the level of ambition among Africa's emerging women's football powers. In modern international football, thorough preparation often proves as important as talent. With a difficult group that includes defending champions Nigeria, every tactical adjustment and minute of match practice could make the difference between an early exit and a deep run in the competition.