The Black Queens of Ghana have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as former head coach Nora Hauptle has signed a three-year deal with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to lead the Copper Queens.
Coach Nora Hauptle, who played a pivotal role in reviving Ghana’s women’s football fortunes, left her post following a remuneration dispute with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), leaving the Queens without a head coach just six months before the tournament.
Why Zambia Chose Nora Hauptle?
Zambian journalist Lucky Channa shed light on the tactical brilliance that convinced Zambia to appoint Hauptle. Speaking on Happy FM’s Happy Sports show, Channa reflected on Hauptle’s masterclass during Ghana’s Olympic qualifier against Zambia. Despite Ghana losing the tie on aggregate, Hauptle’s tactical brilliance stood out for all to see including her opponents.
“Zambia lacked some tactical screws to perform as a top side,” Channa explained. “Scoring goals was not an issue for them, but maintaining possession, coordinating play, and defending effectively were challenges. Hauptle’s Ghana team outsmarted Zambia tactically, showcasing ball control, coordinated systems, and defensive discipline, even when Zambia advanced to the next round. It was clear Hauptle had the tactical edge over Zambia’s Bruce Mwape.”
This analysis cemented Hauptle’s appeal to Zambia, as they look to turn their potential into championship-caliber performances under her leadership.
Nora Hauptle’s Ghana Legacy
Hauptle, who took over as Black Queens coach in 2023, guided Ghana to WAFCON qualification after the team missed the last two editions. Under her stewardship, Ghana secured a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over Namibia, reigniting hopes of a strong performance in the 2025 tournament. However, Hauptle’s concerns about the team’s preparations—particularly the lack of sufficient friendly matches—surfaced before her departure.
Despite her apprehensions, GFA spokesperson Henry Asante Twum clarified that Hauptle’s exit was not due to inadequate match preparation but rather a disagreement over remuneration.
“We only missed a friendly in November. How is that enough reason for a coach to leave? This was purely about remuneration,” Twum emphasized.
Implications for the Black Queens
Hauptle’s sudden departure leaves the Black Queens in a precarious position. Drawn in Group C alongside formidable opponents Mali, Tanzania, and defending champions South Africa, Ghana faces a steep uphill battle. With just six months to the tournament, the absence of a head coach threatens the team’s preparations, cohesion, and morale.
The GFA’s decision to reassign Hauptle’s assistants, Charles Sampson and Anita Wiredu, to the U-20 team has further disrupted the senior team’s technical structure. While the GFA has promised to announce a new head coach soon, time is of the essence, and the team’s ability to adapt to a new system within such a short period remains uncertain.
What This Means for Ghana’s AFCON Hopes
Hauptle’s exit not only disrupts the Black Queens’ tactical and strategic planning but also raises concerns about Ghana’s ability to compete at the highest level. With limited time for a new coach to familiarize themselves with the team, the Black Queens risk entering the tournament underprepared.
Moreover, Hauptle’s move to Zambia strengthens a direct competitor. The Copper Queens, under her guidance, could emerge as strong title contenders, potentially making Ghana’s path to success even more challenging.
In a broader context, Hauptle’s departure highlights systemic issues within Ghanaian football management, including the prioritization of financial agreements over strategic continuity. For the Black Queens, the stakes have never been higher, as they look to defy the odds and make an impact at the 2025 WAFCON despite the turmoil.
The GFA must act swiftly to appoint a competent replacement and provide the team with the necessary resources to ensure they remain competitive in Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.
