The WAFCON-bound Copper Queens have pitched camp in Lusaka after head coach Nora Häuptle unveiled a 29-member provisional squad to begin preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The squad sees the return of skipper Barbra Banda, who is back in national colours following an injury layoff, while Malta-based midfielder Misozi Zulu has also earned a recall after missing the previous WAFCON edition.
Zulu was part of Zambia’s historic 2022 WAFCON campaign, which laid the foundation for the country’s maiden appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Häuptle has retained the entire 23-member squad that featured at the COSAFA tournament and reinforced it with six foreign-based players as Zambia fine-tunes its preparations.
However, some foreign-based players are currently facing travel challenges due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with team officials indicating they will join camp once the situation stabilises.
Zambia’s immediate focus is twofold — the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco and the FIFA Series Tournament set for Brazil from April 11–18. The FIFA Series, a biennial invitational competition organised by FIFA, will see Zambia face hosts Brazil, South Korea and Canada in high-profile international friendlies.
At WAFCON, Zambia have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria women’s national football team, regional rivals Malawi and North African side Egypt.
The tournament, scheduled for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, will also double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification.
Häuptle is already in Lusaka overseeing training sessions, with several foreign-based players having started to trickle into camp as preparations intensify.
Provisional Squad
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), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigücü – Turkey)
Midfielders:
Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades), Grace Chanda (Club Querétaro – Mexico), Misozi Zulu (Hibernians – Malta)
Strikers:
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride – USA), 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), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC – USA)
