Häuptle Summons 25 Stars for Final Preps Ahead of Namibia Clash

15.10.2025 | Football DNA

Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle has named a 25-member provisional squad for the crucial back-to-back 2026 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Namibia.

Zambia will play the first leg away on October 22 at Dobsonville Stadium in South Africa, before hosting the return leg on October 26 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The aggregate winner will earn a coveted spot at the WAFCON finals, where the top four teams will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Copper Queens will, however, be without CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year, Barbra Banda, who misses out through injury. Despite her absence, Häuptle remains confident in her blend of local and foreign-based talent, having earlier worked with 42 players during the first phase of preparations.

Local players are expected to report for camp on Thursday, while foreign-based stars will join after their weekend club commitments.

“We have a strong group capable of competing at the highest level. The focus now is to fine-tune our tactics and team chemistry ahead of the two legs,” Häuptle is quoted as saying.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:

Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)

Defenders:

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Rangers), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingtan FC - China), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigücü Spor - Turkey), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem - Israel), Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)

Midfielders:

Susan Banda, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride - USA), Evarine Katongo, Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan - China)

Strikers:

Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC - USA), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC - USA), Penelope Mulubwa (Zesco United), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC - China), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls)

This fixture not only determines Zambia’s path to the continental showpiece, but also offers a chance to build momentum for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifiers. With a mix of experience and youthful energy, Häuptle’s charges will be keen to make another statement on the African stage.