Häuptle Names 24 for China Yongchuan International Tournament

27.03.2025 | FootballDNA

Zambia Women’s National Team coach Nora Häuptle has unveiled a 24-member squad set to compete in the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament in Chongqing, China, from April 5-8. The tournament, which features hosts China, Uzbekistan, and Thailand, will serve as a crucial preparatory event for the Copper Queens ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for July in Morocco.

The Copper Queens, who secured bronze at the 2022 WAFCON, have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo for this year’s continental showpiece, which runs from July 5-26. Häuptle is keen to use the Yongchuan tournament to fine-tune the squad’s tactics and build momentum ahead of the highly anticipated competition.

Return of Key Players

In a move to blend experience with emerging talent, Häuptle has recalled several key players, including vice-captain and Orlando Pride midfielder Grace Chanda, who returns to action for the first time since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after recovering from injury. Indeni Roses duo Eunice Sakala (goalkeeper) and Rhoda Chileshe (midfielder) have also earned call-ups, while ZISD Women defender Jackline Chomba reclaims her spot after featuring in the COSAFA Women’s Championship.

With a squad featuring a mix of local and internationally based players, Zambia will be looking to gain valuable match experience against top opposition as they continue preparations for WAFCON.

24-Member Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes)

• Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)

• Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)

Defenders:

• Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)

• Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women)

• Blessing Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Queens)

• Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies)

• Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu-Turkey)

• Martha Tembo (Hakkarigucu-Turkey)

• Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)

• Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

• Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)

Midfielders:

• Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride-USA)

• Prisca Chilufya (Orlando Pride-USA)

• Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses)

• Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)

• Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)

• Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)

• Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China)

• Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel)

Strikers:

• Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA)

• Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA)

• Kabange Mupopo (Henan Jianye-China)

• Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China)

With a strong squad and a competitive tournament ahead, the Copper Queens will be aiming to gain valuable experience and build team chemistry before their WAFCON campaign. Stay tuned for updates as Zambia takes on the best in China!