Swiss Coach Nora Hauptle Departs Black Queens After Historic AFCON Qualification
Swiss coach Nora Hauptle has officially ended her tenure with the Black Queens following the expiration of her contract in December 2024. Hauptle leaves behind a significant milestone, having successfully guided Ghana’s women’s national football team to qualify for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be held in Morocco. This marks the team’s first qualification since 2018.
A Challenging Negotiation with the GFA
In an interview with Swiss media outlet 20 Minutes, Hauptle reflected on the difficulties of negotiating a contract extension with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
“It wasn’t easy to give up the project. My contract was running out at the end of the year, and we had discussions. But there were a few pieces of the puzzle that were not clear, which were relevant to my success,” Hauptle said.
She emphasized her inability to compromise on critical aspects of the agreement, adding that the decision to part ways was mutual and respectful.
A New Chapter with Zambia
Following her departure from Ghana, Hauptle has been appointed head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens. She will lead the team in this year’s WAFCON, competing in Group A alongside host nation Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo.
Hauptle’s transition highlights her continued influence in African women’s football as she takes on this new challenge with Zambia.
