The Copper Queens have been declared ready for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ahead of Tuesday’s departure for North Africa.
The Zambia Women’s National Team leaves for Algeria today for their final preparations ahead of WAFCON to be held from 25 July to 16 August 2026.
On Monday, Zambia assistant Coach Charles Haalubono unveiled the 26-member WAFCON squad.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Haalubono said the Algeria camp will give the technical bench an opportunity to fine-tune the squad before the tournament kicks off.
“The team is ready; we have trained so well. I think the team is set now,” Mr. Haalubono said.
He said Zambia’s target at WAFCON is to win the tournament and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Zambia is scheduled to play two international friendly matches against the Fennecs of Algeria on July 19 and 21 before moving to Morocco.
Foreign-based players whose leagues are still active will fly straight to Algeria where they will link up with the rest of the squad.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Nora Häuptle will link up with the team in Algeria for the pre-WAFCON camp.
Zambia is in Group C of WAFCON alongside Egypt, Malawi and Nigeria.
The Copper Queens will open their campaign on 28 July against Egypt before facing Nigeria on 1 August. They will conclude group stage action with a match against Malawi four days later.
The top four teams at WAFCON will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
(DEFENDERS)
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Rachael Nachula (both Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Siomala Mapepa (Altaraji Club-Saudi Arabia), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Susan Banda (Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Queretaro-Mexico), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames-Saudi Arabia), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Ra’anana Women’s FC-Israel), Ireen Lungu (Sichua-China)
(STRIKERS)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan-China), Kabange Mupopo (Liaoning Shenbel Hefeng-China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Quanzhou Naan-China)
