COPPER QUEENS SET FOR WAFCON PREPS WITH DOUBLE FRIENDLY IN SOUTH AFRICA

15.05.2025 | Football DNA

The Zambia Women’s National Football Team — affectionately known as the Copper Queens — is gearing up for the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with two high-profile friendly matches in South Africa.

As part of the FIFA Women’s International Match Window (26 May–3 June 2025), the Copper Queens will take on reigning African champions South Africa on 31 May, before facing Botswana on 3 June. Both matches will be hosted in South Africa and serve as crucial tests ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled for 5–26 July 2025 in Morocco.

Provisional Squad Announced

Head coach Nora Häuptle has named a 35-member provisional squad, which enters camp this weekend in preparation for the friendlies. Among the most notable developments is the return of goalkeeper Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), making a comeback after a year-long absence from national duty.

Other exciting inclusions include:

First-time senior call-ups for Margaret Phiri (The Elite Ladies) and Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes).

Defensive reinforcements with Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors) and Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses) returning to the setup.

Recall of Red Arrows duo Mary Wilombe and Mary Mambwe, adding experience and versatility to the midfield.

Group A Showdown at WAFCON

Zambia has been drawn in Group A at the upcoming WAFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. Although referred to as the 2024 edition, the tournament will be held in 2025 due to adjustments in the CAF competition calendar.

With stars like Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya leading the charge, the Copper Queens are expected to be strong contenders in Morocco.

FULL 35-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD

🧤 Goalkeepers:

Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Margaret Phiri (The Elite Ladies), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)

🛡️ Defenders:

Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses), Matildah Mukunda (The Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies)

🎯 Midfielders:

Ireen Lungu (Sichuan, China), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC, China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel), Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (Orlando Pride, USA), Maweta Chilenga, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe, Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows)

⚡ Strikers:

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC, China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC, China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC, USA), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

With a balanced blend of experience and rising stars, Zambia's journey to WAFCON 2025 begins now — and all eyes will be on how the Copper Queens shape up in these key friendlies on South African soil.

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