US based quartet of Skipper Barbra Banda, Rachel Kundananji, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya has arrived in the country and joined the Copper Queens camp ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Botswana and South Africa.
The Copper Queens have received a major boost with the arrival of USA-based trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya ahead of the upcoming FIFA international friendly matches against Botswana and South Africa.
The arrival of the four forwards brings the total number of players in camp to 23.
The foursome started off immediately after fulfilling their club duties in the United States of America National Women’s Super League (NWSL).
Barbra Banda led the Orlando Pride to a 3-1 win over the Utah Royals with a historical hat-trick becoming the first Orlando Pride player to score a treble- a fastest hat-trick in the history of the NWSL.
Rachel Kundananji assisted in her team’s 2-2 draw while Prisca Chilufya was an unused substitute. Grace Chanda was not involved.
Coach Nora Häuptle is now awaiting the arrival of Israel-based Racheal Nachula to complete the 24-member squad named by coach Nora Häuptle for the two high-profile fixtures scheduled within the FIFA international window.
The Copper Queens are using the two high-profile friendlies as part of the team’s build-up to the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set for 5–26 July in Morocco.
The Copper Queens will face Botswana on 31 May before entertaining Banyana Banyana of South Africa on 3 June in Pretoria.
Both matches fall within the FIFA international window and will serve as key tests for the Copper Queens as they gear up for the biggest women’s football extravaganza in Africa.
24-MEMBER FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
DEFENDERS
Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), 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), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
STRIKERS
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA)
