ZESCO Ndola Girls star forward Eneless Phiri will headline Zambia’s squad for the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship after head coach Nora Häuptle unveiled a 23-member team for the regional showpiece set for February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa.
With several regular starters unavailable due to club commitments, Phiri is expected to carry the attacking burden for the defending champions as Häuptle blends youth and experience in a squad designed to compete and prepare for the upcoming Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The tournament will serve as a key part of Zambia’s build-up to WAFCON, which kicks off on March 17, with foreign-based stars expected to rejoin the squad during the final preparatory phase.
Experience Meets Youth
Häuptle has retained seasoned campaigners Rachael Nachula, Kabange Mupopo, Hazel Nali, Susan Banda, Agness Musesa and Margaret Belemu to provide leadership and stability in a relatively experimental squad.
Mupopo, who plies her trade with Henan WFC in China, adds firepower and pedigree, while Turkey-based midfielder Susan Banda brings composure and international experience to the middle of the park.
A new generation of talent has also earned recognition. Youngsters Saliya Mwanza, Mercy Chipasula, Margaret Gondwe, Mapalo Maluba and Chishala Mufunte have all made the cut, underlining Häuptle’s intent to widen the national team pool.
Konkola Blades duo Sampa Chisanga and Natasha Witika are also included, rewarding their impressive domestic form.
Group B Assignment
Zambia, champions in 2022 and 2024 and runners-up in 2023, have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana and Eswatini in what promises to be a competitive pool.
The Copper Queens will open their title defence against Botswana on Thursday, February 18 at 15h00 at Seshego Stadium. They will then face Zimbabwe three days later before wrapping up their group campaign against Eswatini on February 24 at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Eleven teams will compete for regional honours, with matches scheduled at Seshego Stadium, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The top team in each group, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semi-finals.
Full Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Defenders:
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Midfielders:
Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)
Strikers:
Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC – China), Eneless Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
With a blend of proven performers and emerging prospects, Häuptle will be eager to see her squad rise to the challenge in Polokwane as Zambia seek to maintain their dominance in the region while fine-tuning preparations for continental glory in Morocco.
