Häuptle Names 30 Local Players for FIFA Friendly Matches

07.02.2025 | Football DNA

Zambia Women’s National Team head coach, Nora Häuptle, has announced a 30-member locally assembled squad for the upcoming FIFA international window friendlies against Malawi’s Scorchers.

The squad includes the top ten goal scorers from the Eden University Women’s Super League, among them ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has scored 25 goals in 23 matches. Additionally, promising young players Mwila Mufunte and Namute Chileshe, both graduates from the U17 team, have been called up. The list also features Copper Princesses team captain Mercy Chipasula and striker Ruth Mukoma, signaling the team’s commitment to developing young talent.

The friendly matches, scheduled for February, are expected to form a crucial part of the Copper Queens’ preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is set to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26. Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside the tournament hosts Morocco, as well as Senegal and DR Congo.

Foreign-based players will be added to strengthen the squad ahead of the two matches. Meanwhile, Häuptle’s locally based players are expected to commence camp on Sunday, February 16, and will train until Friday, February 21. The final squad, including foreign-based players, is anticipated to be unveiled before next weekend’s final camp.

30-Member Squad

Goalkeepers: Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole (both Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Defenders: Margaret Belemu, Elizabeth Nachivula (both Red Arrows), Tabo Miselo, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Theresa Musatila, Vast Phiri, Judith Soko (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes)

Midfielders: Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu-China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows)

Strikers: Maweta Chilenga, Namute Chileshe, Maylan Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Fridah Kabwe, Penelope Mulubwa, Ruth Mukoma, Fridah Mukoma (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers Queens)

The Copper Queens are expected to use these friendly matches to fine-tune their squad and build momentum ahead of the prestigious WAFCON tournament. Football enthusiasts eagerly await to see how this team will perform as they prepare for their continental challenge.