Zambia Picked Algeria for a Reason, Haalubono Explains Why

Zambia assistant coach Charles Haalubono says the Copper Queens' back-to-back friendlies against Algeria aren't random scheduling. They're a rehearsal for Egypt.

The two sides meet at Moustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida on Sunday, July 19, and again on July 22, ahead of Zambia's WAFCON opener against Egypt's Cleopatras on July 28 in Morocco.

"It is a good challenge for us as we are in the same group with Egypt. Algeria have similar type of football, so we test Algeria, it means we will have the same type of football when we face Egypt," Haalubono told the Football Association of Zambia media.

He also gave an update on conditioning. "We have been preparing for quite some time, and the preparations have been going on so well. The girls have worked extra hard in the past two weeks. We have made sure to work on our conditioning, which we have done very well. They are good condition wise. Tactically, we are all good," he said.

Head coach Nora Hauptle has now joined the squad. After Egypt, Zambia face Nigeria's Super Falcons on August 1 and Malawi's Scorchers on August 5.