Zambia’s Copper Queens have departed Lusaka for Kampala ahead of Thursday’s first-leg clash against Uganda in the second round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.
The team, comprising locally based players, left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 14:48 aboard a RwandAir flight and are expected to arrive in Kampala at around 03:00 on Monday.
The eight foreign-based players called up for the assignment will join the squad in Uganda, completing interim head coach Charles Haalubono’s 25-member travelling squad.
Haalubono has made notable changes to the squad, with regular centre-back Mapalo Maluba and experienced midfielder Grace Chanda missing from the selection for the two-legged tie.
The Copper Queens will be looking to secure a positive result away from home before the return leg in Zambia, as they continue their bid to reach the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Zambia travelling squad
Goalkeepers
Hazel Nali — ZESCO Ndola Girls
Chishala Munfunte — Green Buffaloes
Annie Namonje — ZESCO Ndola Girls
Defenders
Margret Belemu — Ra’anana Women’s FC, Israel
Saliya Mwanza — The Elite Ladies
Natasha Nkaka — Green Eagles
Racheal Nachula — Green Buffaloes
Martha Tembo — Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey
Pauline Zulu — ZESCO Ndola Girls
Lushomo Mweemba — Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey
Margret Gondwe — Green Buffaloes Women
Midfielders
Evarine Suzeni Katongo — Green Buffaloes Women
Esther Muchinga — ZESCO Ndola Girls
Ireen Lungu — Sichuan, China
Rhodah Chileshe — Indeni Roses
Natasha Nanyangwe — Green Buffaloes Women
Avell Chitundu — ZESCO Ndola
Zangose Zulu — ZANACO Ladies
Strikers
Barbra Banda — Orlando Pride, USA
Ivy Nambeye — Nchanga
Charity Mubanga — ZESCO Ndola Girls
Eneless Phiri — ZESCO Ndola Girls
Mercy Chipasula — HB Køge, Denmark
Racheal Kundananji — Bay FC, USA
Prisca Chilufya — Angel City FC, USA
