The Zambia Women’s National Team, the Copper Queens will face reigning African Champions South Africa and Botswana in two international friendly matches.
The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be held in Morocco from 5–26 July 2025.
The FIFA Women’s International Match Window runs from 26 May to 3 June 2025.
The reigning COSAFA Champions will take on arch rivals South Africa on 31 May, followed by a clash with Botswana on 3 June. Both fixtures will be hosted in South Africa.
Coach Nora Häuptle has since named a 35-member provisional squad that will enter camp this weekend ahead of the two high-profile friendlies.
Häuptle has handed Luyando Foundation Girls product Margaret Gondwe who is now on the books of Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club her first senior National Team call up following an impressive last half of the season with the Zambia army sponsored outfit.
Häuptle has also handed a first call up to Elite Ladies goalkeeper Margaret Phiri while Red Arrows duo of Mary Mambwe and Mary Wilombe return to the set up alongside Leticia Lungu.
Choma Warriors defender Josephine Lubinda and Indeni Roses captain Zamiwe Mukokomena have also been handed call ups.
Eleven foreign based players led by skipper Barbra Banda have been summoned as Xiomara Mapepa also makes a return to the set up after missing the China trip.
Zambia is in Group A at the WAFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and DR Congo. The 2024 edition of the tournament will be held in 2025 due to the revised CAF calendar.
35-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Margaret Phiri (The Elite Ladies), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
DEFENDERS
Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses), Matildah Mukunda (The Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies)
MIDFIELDERS
Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Maweta Chilenga, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe, Mary Mambwe (both Red Arrows)
STRIKERS
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Award winning team. Not just names. Team players selected on merit