Nora Häuptle Summons 38 for WAFCON Camp, Hands Call-Up to France-Based Samiah Phiri

17.01.2026 | Football DNA ⚽️

Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has summoned 38 players to a local training camp as Zambia begin preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026, set to kick off in March.

The local camp will commence on Monday, with Häuptle also including a number of foreign-based players whose leagues are currently on recess. Among the notable call-ups is France-based forward Samiah Phiri, who plays for Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC.

The 23-year-old was born in the United States of America to a Zambian father and an American mother. She is eligible to represent Zambia once the necessary dual citizenship processes are completed. Phiri is expected to arrive in the country during the local camp for assessment and to potentially finalise her eligibility.

Meanwhile, Häuptle has also included several Under-20 players in the provisional squad. However, these players will first link up with the junior national team, which is preparing for the February FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda.

The Copper Queens have been drawn in Group C at WAFCON alongside defending champions Nigeria, Malawi, and Egypt. The tournament will run from 17 March to early April 2026.

The top four teams at WAFCON will automatically qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Zambia made history by qualifying for their maiden World Cup appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)

Defenders

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC – China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Midfielders

Susan Banda (Cekmekoy Bilgidogga Spor – Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu – China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)

Strikers

Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC – China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Évian Grand Genève – France), Justina Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)

Note: Foreign-based players whose leagues are currently active have been excused from the local camp.