Zambia exit WAFCON 2026 despite best goal difference in Group C

Zambia has been eliminated from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-1 win against Malawi in their final Group C fixture. Despite the victory, the Copper Queens failed to progress to the next stage of the tournament.

Zambia finished the group stage with six points and a goal difference of +7, which was the highest in Group C. Their campaign included a 6-0 win over Egypt and a 1-0 loss to Nigeria. However, Nigeria and Malawi both advanced to the knockout rounds.

Under CAF regulations, a three-way tie on six points is decided by head-to-head results between the tied teams. Because all three sides earned three points in their matches against one another and shared an equal goal difference in those specific games, the number of goals scored in the mini-league determined the ranking. Malawi and Nigeria scored more goals in those head-to-head matches than Zambia, resulting in the Copper Queens' exit.

Head coach Nora Hauptle described the situation as "completely weird" during a briefing with the Zambia FA media. She noted that her team scored the most goals in the group and allowed the fewest goals conceded. Hauptle stated that the team was aware they required a two-goal margin in those specific matches to ensure qualification.

Hauptle expressed uncertainty regarding the current regulations, noting that it felt unusual to be knocked out after such a statistical performance. She indicated that while the team was prepared for the rules, the outcome remains difficult to accept.