HÄUPTLE CALLS UP REPLACEMENTS AS COPPER QUEENS PREPARE FOR THAILAND BATTLE

03.04.2025 | Football DNA

Zambia Women’s National Team coach Nora Häuptle has made strategic call-ups in response to the absence of four key Copper Queens players, reinforcing the squad ahead of the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament in China.

The team welcomes prolific striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has impressively netted 30 goals in the Eden University Women’s Super League. She is joined by China-based forward Ochumba Lubanji, ZESCO Ndola Girls midfielder Avell Chitundu, and Green Buffaloes midfielder Maweta Chilenga. Their inclusion follows the withdrawal of captain Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda due to new US travel measures.

Despite this setback, Häuptle remains optimistic, viewing the situation as an opportunity to assess and integrate fresh talent. Speaking to FAZ Media, she emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptation.

“We take the challenge, all the obstacles and hurdles, and turn them into positives. We have called up four new players, and we expect Penelope Mulubwa, Ochumba Lubanji, Avell Chitundu, and Maweta Chilenga to arrive tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, completing our 24-player squad,” Häuptle said.

The Swiss tactician highlighted the inclusion of several young players, some of whom are still eligible for the U17 squad. She believes this exposure is essential as Zambia gears up for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and upcoming age-group tournaments.

“We give these young players our full confidence because I am convinced that they can take on the challenge. Gaining exposure and playing time is crucial as we frame the squad towards WAFCON. We are also looking forward to our next camp in May for additional preparation matches before the Africa Cup,” she added.

Häuptle stressed the importance of giving young players trust and confidence, allowing them to express themselves freely on the pitch.

“They need exposure and must make errors because they learn from them. They have to be brave on the pitch and give their all,” she said. “We have U17 and U20 players here, and I am confident they will do well. We are also looking ahead to the U17 and U20 World Cups, and we believe in our developmental process.”

As the Copper Queens prepare for their opening match against Thailand in the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament, Häuptle and her technical bench are leaving no stone unturned.

“Thailand is ranked in the top 50 in the world, ahead of us, and we give them the lead. We have analyzed them thoroughly. They are not very physical or robust, but they are skilled in ball control,” she explained. “We are well-prepared, and with our strategy, we can exploit their weaknesses, especially through counterattacks where we have skilled and speedy players. Let’s see what happens on Saturday.”

The Copper Queens are set to face Thailand on April 5 in their tournament opener. A victory would see Zambia advance to the final on April 8 against either hosts China PR or Uzbekistan. The team remains determined to put on a strong performance and gain valuable experience as they continue their journey in international football.