Hauptle Names 26-Member Copper Queens Squad for Three-Nations Tournament

24.11.2025 | Football DNA

Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle has unveiled a strong 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Window Three-Nations Tournament, set to take place in Lilongwe, Malawi, from November 28 to December 2.

With captain Barbra Banda sidelined due to injury, the team will be led by United States–based star Racheal Kundananji, who plays for Bay FC in the NWSL. Despite the absence of their skipper, the Copper Queens have called up a solid mix of international stars, experienced campaigners, and rising talent.

Experienced Core Retained

Hauptle has maintained the backbone of the team that recently booked Zambia’s qualification for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Seasoned players such as Mary Wilombe, Racheal Nachula, Grace Chanda, Kabange Mupopo, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo, and Susan Banda headline the squad.

Emerging talents also make the list, including Under-17 national team captain Mercy Chipasula, goalkeeper Chishala Mfunte, and defender Margaret Gondwe, reflecting Hauptle’s continued commitment to blending experience with youth.

Tournament Featuring Malawi, Zimbabwe & Zambia

The Three-Nations Tournament will feature Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, with both the Copper Queens and the Scorchers of Malawi using the event as part of their preparations for the 2026 WAFCON.

With regional bragging rights and crucial match fitness at stake, the tournament promises competitive fixtures and an opportunity for Hauptle to assess her squad ahead of major continental assignments.

Full 26-Member Squad

Goalkeepers

Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes)

Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)

Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Defenders

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)

Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)

Racheal Nachula (Green Buffaloes)

Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)

Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens)

Martha Tembo (Hakkarigücü – Turkey)

Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigücü – Turkey)

Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Midfielders

Susan Banda (Cekmeköy – Turkey)

Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride – USA)

Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Evarine Katongo (Green Buffaloes)

Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)

Ireen Lungu (Sichuan – China)

Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)

Forwards

Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)

Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)

Prisca Chilufya (Angel City – USA)

Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa)

Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC – USA)

Penelope Mulubwa (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC – China)