Copper Queens Off to Brazil for FIFA Series Tournament

06.04.2026 | Football DNA

The Zambia women's national football team, popularly known as the Copper Queens, have departed for Cuiabá, Brazil ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series tournament scheduled to run from April 11 to 18.

Assistant coach Charles Haluboono has travelled with the local contingent, while foreign-based players are expected to join the squad later in Brazil. The team departed aboard South African Airways, flying via Johannesburg, before connecting to São Paulo and then taking the final leg of their journey to Cuiabá.

Injury Concerns for the Copper Queens

The Zambian side will be without several players who have been ruled out due to injuries. Among the notable absentees is Racheal Kundananji, the prolific forward who plays for Bay FC in the United States.

Also missing from the squad due to injuries are Eneless Phiri and Avell Chitundu of ZESCO United, as well as Xiomara Mapepa from Altaraji Women's Team. Meanwhile, Evarine Susan Katongo will not travel due to the ongoing war situation in Israel.

Tough Opposition Awaits

During the FIFA Series tournament, Zambia will face three strong international sides: Canada women's national soccer team, Brazil women's national football team, and South Korea women's national football team.

The tournament will serve as important preparation for the Copper Queens ahead of the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations, as the team continues to fine-tune its squad and strategies against top-level opposition.

Copper Queens Final 25-Member FIFA Series Squad

(April 9–18, Cuiabá, Brazil)

Goalkeepers

Hazel Nali – Zesco Ndola Girls

Chishala Mufunte – Green Buffaloes

Catherine Musonda – Red Arrows

Defenders

Margaret Belemu – Red Arrows

Margaret Gondwe – Green Buffaloes

Blessings Maluba – Nchanga Queens

Memory Nthala – Green Buffaloes

Agness Musesa – Green Buffaloes

Saliya Mwanza – Elite Ladies

Martha Tembo – Hakkarigucu (Turkey)

Lushomo Mweemba – Hakkarigucu (Turkey)

Rachael Nachula – Green Buffaloes

Midfielders

Susan Banda – Cekmekoy Bilgidoga Spor (Turkey)

Grace Chanda – Queretaro (Mexico)

Rhodah Chileshe – Indeni Roses

Esther Muchinga – Zesco Ndola Girls

Ireen Lungu – Sichuan (China)

Maweta Chilenga – Green Buffaloes

Natasha Nanyangwe – Green Buffaloes

Forwards

Barbra Banda – Orlando Pride (USA)

Prisca Chilufya – Angel City (USA)

Mercy Chipasula – Kamfinsa Police

Mary Mambwe – Red Arrows

Ngosa Chabwe – Indeni Roses

Agness Phiri – Green Buffaloes