Barbra Banda returns as Mwape names final squad for Turkish Women’s Cup

Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda will now be available for this months’ Turkish Women’s Cup. 

This follows Banda’s clearance by her club Shanghai Shengli in China where she is currently taking part in their preseason preparations. 

The earlier report was that Banda would miss out due to club commitment but the 2020 Tokyo Olympics history maker will now be available for the coach Bruce Mwape tutored side. 

Banda is expected to join her teammates in Turkey on 11th February ahead of the first game on the 15th. 

Banda who missed the WAFCON guided Zambia to her first COSAFA Women’s Championship title scoring ten goals in the process and winning the golden boot and player of the tournament accolades. 

The Turkish Women’s Cup will be held from 13-22 February 2023 in Alanya. 

At the Turkish Women’s Cup, Zambia will open their campaign against the hosts Turkey on 15 February at the Miracle Sport Complex before entertaining Slovenia three days later at the same venue.

The tournament is being played on a round-robin basis and the Copper Queens will play their third and final match against Uzbekistan on 21 February at the Miracle Sports Complex.

Zambia is using the Turkish Cup as  part of preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off in July.

The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside Spain, Costa Rica and Japan. 

FINAL-SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Catherine Musonda (INDENI Roses), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Sport-Turkey)

DEFENDERS

Margaret Belemu (Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey), Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Esther Banda (BUSA), Judith Soko (YASA)

MIDFIELDERS

Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey), Ireen Lungu, Hellen Chanda (both BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Evarine Susan Katongo (ZISD Women), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Prisca Chilufya (Fatih Karagumruk A.S-Turkey)

STRIKERS

Xiomara Mapepa (Elite Ladies), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows), Hellen Mubanga, Rachael Nachula (both Zaragoza CFF-Spain), Grace Chanda, Rachael Kundananji (both Madrid CFF), Barbara Banda (Shanghai Shengli-China)