The Zambia Women’s National Team camp in China is taking shape as the Copper Queens kick start preparations for the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament set for April 5-8.
The squad received a boost with the arrival of Hapoel Jerusalem winger Rachael Nachula and the China-domiciled duo of Kabange Mupopo and Fridah Mukoma, bringing the number of players in camp to 17.
The trio is the first batch of foreign-based players to link up with the team.
Seven more foreign-based players are expected to complete coach Nora Häuptle’s 24 member squad.
The Copper Queens will kick off their four-nation tournament on 5 April against Thailand with a win securing them a place in the final on 8 April where they would face either hosts China PR or Uzbekistan.
24-MEMBER SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
DEFENDERS
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
MIDFIELDERS
Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel)
STRIKERS
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Kabange Mupopo (Henan Jianye-China), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China)
