Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has announced a 23-member squad for the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, scheduled to take place in Polokwane, South Africa, from February 18 to March 1.
Zambia, who are the defending champions, have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana and Eswatini. The tournament forms part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Morocco.
The selected goalkeepers are Mufunte Chishala of Green Buffaloes, Catherine Musonda from Red Arrows and Hazel Nali of Zesco Ndola Girls.
In defence, the squad includes Margaret Belemu of Red Arrows, Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala and Esther Siamfuko from Green Buffaloes. Also called up are Maluba Blessings of Nchanga Queens, Saliya Mwanza of Elite Ladies and Judith Soko of Zesco Ndola Girls.
The midfield department features Susan Banda, who plays for Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor in Turkey, alongside Rhodah Chileshe of Indeni Roses, Avell Chitundu of Zesco Ndola Girls, and Konkola Blades duo Sampa Chisanga and Natasha Witika.
The attacking lineup comprises Regina Chanda of Zanaco Ladies, Maweta Chilenga and Agness Phiri from Green Buffaloes, Mercy Chipasula of Kamfinsa Police, Kabanghe Mupopo of Henan WFC in China, and Eneless Phiri of Zesco Ndola Girls.
Some foreign-based players will miss part of the COSAFA training window due to club commitments but are expected to rejoin the squad during the final phase of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on March 17.
