Häuptle Summons 42 Players for WAFCON Final Qualifier Against Namibia

22.09.2025 | Football DNA

Zambia Women’s National Team coach Nora Häuptle has unveiled a 42-member provisional squad for the decisive Morocco 2026 FIFA Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Namibia.

The Copper Queens will face Namibia in a two-legged tie, with the winner securing a place at next year’s WAFCON, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Key Highlights

Goalkeeping Reinforcements: Fit-again Hazel Nali of Zesco Ndola Girls and Agness Fabiola Banda of Nchanga Queens return to strengthen the goalkeeping department.

In-Form Forwards: Red-hot Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls) and Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police) have been included after impressing at club level.

Veteran Presence: Israel-based Rachael Nachula has joined the local squad as she is currently in Zambia.

Youth Injection: U20 starlets Chishala Mufunte and Margaret Gondwe are part of the squad, though they will link up after completing their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Burundi in Ndola.

Foreign-Based Call-Ups: The overseas contingent will only join camp after the FIFA international window opens on October 20.

Fixtures

First Leg: October 22 – Namibia vs Zambia (Dobsonville Stadium, South Africa, due to Namibia lacking a CAF/FIFA-approved venue).

Second Leg: October 26 – Zambia vs Namibia (Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola).

The Copper Queens are aiming to maintain their impressive continental record and secure another appearance at the WAFCON, which will be staged in Morocco in March 2026.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:

Agness Banda (Nchanga Queens), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Ng’ambo Musole, Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali, Annie Namoonje (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses).

Defenders:

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Esther Muchinga, Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem – Israel), Esther Siamfuko, Memory Nthala, Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Justina Zulu, Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies).

Midfielders:

Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo, Hellen Chanda, Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Mary Mambwe, Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades Queens).

Attackers:

Chabwe Ngosa (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula, Mwangala Namakau (Kamfinsa Police), Penelope Mulubwa, Fridah Kabwe, Mary Mbewe (Zesco Ndola Girls), Medrine Lukhelo (Trident Queens), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Rachael Moono (Green Eagles), Maylan Mulenga, Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes), Ruth Ngoma (Zanaco Ladies).