Flight Paris 2024: Mwape Names Olympics Squad…Injury Rules Out Chitete, Evarine

03.07.2024 | Football in my DNA

The excitement is building as Zambia Women National Team coach Bruce Mwape has announced his 22-member squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In a pre-tournament press conference, Mwape revealed that the team will be departing for Europe this weekend for an international camp to fine-tune their preparations.

Unfortunately, the squad has been hit with injury setbacks, with elite goalkeeper Esther Munsaka and versatile midfielder Evarine Katongo ruled out. The loss of Munsaka is particularly tough, as she sustained an injury during training. “The report I got from the doctor was very discouraging, and they indicated that she will not be able to travel with the team,” Mwape explained. In response, Eunice Sakala has been recalled to bolster the goalkeeping department.

Leading the squad is the dynamic skipper Barbra Banda, who will be joined by her U.S.-based counterpart Rachael Kundananji. Notable inclusions also feature Grace Chanda, Kabange Mupopo, Martha Tembo, and Lushomo Mweemba.

Mwape highlighted the rigorous selection process: “We had about 35 players and a lot of competition, and we now have the final list of 22 players. Any tournament has its own rules and regulations, and that is what we followed.” He added that the team is gearing up for their last phase of preparation, which includes two high-profile friendly matches against teams that have competed in the World Cup or the Olympics.

The squad is set to establish their tournament base in Nice, France. They will kick off their campaign against the USA on July 25 at the Stade de Nice, followed by a match against Australia three days later at the same venue. Their final Group B match will be against Germany in St. Etienne.

Final Squad for Paris 2024 Olympics:

Goalkeepers:

• Catherine Musonda (Hapoel Raanana Women FC-Israel)

• Ngambo Musole Petronella (Green Buffaloes)

• Eunice Sakala (INDENI Roses)

Defenders:

• Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan)

• Esther Siamfuko, Diana Banda (both Green Buffaloes)

• Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies)

• Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

• Esther Muchinga (ZANACO Ladies)

Midfielders:

• Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride-USA)

• Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda (both Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey)

• Rhoda Chileshe (INDENI Roses)

• Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

• Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)

• Prisca Chilufya (Club Juarez Femenil-Mexico)

Strikers:

• Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA)

• Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA)

• Kabange Mupopo (Green Buffaloes)

• Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel)

• Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows)

As the team heads to Europe, the anticipation is palpable. With their eyes set on Olympic glory, the Copper Queens are ready to showcase their talent on the world stage.