Copper Queens step up WAFCON preparations in Algeria

The Copper Queens intensified preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a full training session at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Friday evening. Head coach, Nora Häuptle, oversaw the session, with all 19 players currently in camp taking part as Zambia continued fine-tuning ahead of the continental tournament in Morocco. Midfielder Grace Chanda, who arrived in camp on Thursday, became the first of the seven foreign-based players expected to join the squad before the tournament.

Captain Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Ireen Lungu, Fridah Mukoma, Prisca Chilufya and Kabange Mupopo are expected to report in line with FIFA’s mandatory player release period, which begins seven days before the tournament kicks off. Häuptle said she expects the full squad to be available for selection when Zambia face Algeria in their final international friendly on July 22. The match will also provide the final opportunity to assess players before naming the 21-member squad for the WAFCON finals.

The Copper Queens will begin their series of warm-up matches against Algeria on Sunday at the Moustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida before meeting the same opponents again on July 22. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.