Injured Barbra Banda returns to camp, as Copper Queens prepare for WAFCON, FIFA series

The Copper Queens, preparing for the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), have set up camp in Lusaka, with coach Nora Häuptle summoning 29 players for duty. Skipper Barbra Banda returns after an injury layoff, while Malta-based Misozi Zulu rejoins the squad after missing the last WAFCON. Zulu was part of the 2022 WAFCON, which paved the way for Zambia’s debut appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Coach Häuptle has retained the 23-member Cosafa Women’s Championship contingent and added six foreign-based players, with the notable absence of players affected by the escalating USA-Iran war. The Copper Queens have twin objectives: preparing for WAFCON and the FIFA Series Tournament in Brazil, scheduled from April 11-18. For WAFCON, Zambia is drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Super Falcons, Malawi women’s national football team, and Egypt women’s national football team.

The tournament in Morocco will run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, and will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification. Some foreign-based players affected by travel disruptions due to the Middle East conflict are expected to join the squad once the situation stabilizes. In the FIFA Series, Zambia will face Brazil, South Korea, and Canada.

[paywall]

The FIFA Series is a biennial invitational tournament featuring international friendlies between teams from different confederations. Goalkeepers; Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows) and Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls). Defenders; Magaret 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) Midfielders; Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades), Grace Chanda (Club Querétaro) and Misozi Zulu (Hibernians).

Strikers; Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies),Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Kabanghe Mupopo (Henan WFC), Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls)and Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC). 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.

[/paywall]