Zambia assistant coach Charles Haalubono has summoned a 33-member local squad as the Copper Queens begin preparations for their second-round Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifying tie against Uganda.
Zesco Ndola Girls forward Eneless Phiri, who has been in impressive form domestically, headlines the squad alongside several players who featured at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Haalubono has also handed opportunities to emerging talent, including 15-year-old Elite Ladies goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale, as Zambia looks to blend experience with youth ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.
Former Copper Queens midfielder Evarine Katongo has also been recalled after returning to domestic football.
The local-based players will form the core of the initial preparations, with foreign-based players expected to join camp when the next FIFA international window opens.
Zambia will travel to Uganda for the first leg on 8 October before hosting the Crested Cranes in the return fixture a week later at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The winner over two legs will advance to the third round of qualifying. The Olympic qualification campaign consists of five rounds, with Zambia needing to navigate the full process to secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The Copper Queens have qualified for the past two Olympic Games, making their debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021.
At Tokyo 2020, captain Barbra Banda made history by scoring back-to-back hat-tricks against the Netherlands and China.
Full local squad
Goalkeepers
Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (Zesco Ndola Girls), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles), Winfridah Mutale (Elite Ladies)
Defenders
Saliyah Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko, Margaret Gondwe, Rachael Nachula (all Green Buffaloes), Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Rangers), Jackline Chomba, Pauline Zulu (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Justina Zulu, Thelma Chellah (both Zanaco Ladies), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles)
Midfielders
Evarine Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Zangose Zulu, Regina Chanda (both Zanaco Ladies), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Strikers
Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Eneless Phiri, Penelope Mulubwa, Charity Mubanga (all Zesco Ndola Girls), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers), Theresa Nayame (Kansanshi Queens)
