Middle East war affects Copper Queens preps

The heightened Middle East war involving Israel and Iran has negatively affected the anticipated early arrival of foreign based players as the Copper Queens begin preliminary preparations for the upcoming Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The WAFCON bound Copper Queens have entered camp in Lusaka with Coach Nora Häuptle naming 29 players.

‎Fit again Captain Barbra Banda is in the squad after an injury layoff while Malta based Misozi Zulu bounces back to the Copper Queens set-up after missing out at the last WAFCON.

‎‎”Copper Queens Coach Nora Häuptle is hopeful that the foreign based players that are unable to make it on time for camp due to travel complications will be available for the final stage of preparations for the Morocco 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),” FAZ said in a statement.

‎ Zambia is preparing for the WAFCON and the FIFA Series Tournament in Brazil, which takes place from April 11-18.

‎”Among those doubtful are Evarine Katongo (Ra’anan WFC-Israel), Ireene Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Altaraji Club-China), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames-Saudi Arabia), Ruth Mukoma (Shanghai WFC-China) and Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC) whose travel is tied to precautionary security measures.”

The 2026 WAFCON will serve as a qualifier for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women World Cup with top four teams grabbing their tickets to the biggest women football showpiece.

‎At the WAFCON, Zambia is in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt.

The WAFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17-April 3.

This continental competition will serve as a qualifier for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women World Cup with top four teams grabbing their tickets to the biggest women football showpiece.

‎PROVISIONAL SQUAD

‎(GOALKEEPERS)

‎Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), 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-Turkey)

‎(MIDFIELDERS)

‎Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor-Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades), Grace Chanda (Club Querétaro-Mexico), Misozi Zulu (Hibernians-Malta)
‎
‎(STRIKERS)

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