Women's Africa Cup of Nations Preparations: Nora Names 29-Member Copper Queens Squad

04.03.2026 | Football DNA

The Copper Queens have officially shifted into camp in Lusaka as head coach Nora Häuptle unveiled a 29-member provisional squad ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The squad announcement signals Zambia’s serious intent as they prepare for a demanding calendar that includes both WAFCON and the FIFA Series Tournament in Brazil.

Key Returns and Notable Inclusions

Team captain Barbra Banda headlines the squad with a welcome return following an injury layoff. Her comeback provides a major boost to the team’s attacking options and leadership core.

Midfielder Misozi Zulu also makes her return to the national setup after missing the last WAFCON. Zulu was part of the historic 2022 WAFCON squad that laid the foundation for Zambia’s maiden appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Häuptle has maintained continuity by retaining the entire 23-member COSAFA contingent, while adding six foreign-based players to strengthen the squad. However, some foreign-based stars remain temporarily unavailable due to travel complications linked to the ongoing USA-Iran conflict. The technical bench remains hopeful they will join camp once conditions stabilize.

Group C Challenge in Morocco

Zambia has been drawn in a tough Group C at WAFCON alongside defending champions Nigeria women's national football team, as well as Malawi women's national football team and Egypt women's national football team.

CAF has scheduled the tournament from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco. Beyond continental glory, the stakes are even higher — the 2026 WAFCON will double as a qualifier for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification.

FIFA Series Tournament in Brazil

In addition to WAFCON preparations, Zambia will also compete in the FIFA Series Tournament from April 11–18 in Brazil. The Copper Queens are set to face hosts Brazil women's national football team, South Korea women's national football team, and Canada women's national soccer team.

The FIFA Series is a biennial invitational tournament designed to foster competitive international friendlies between teams from different confederations, offering Zambia valuable global exposure ahead of major competitions.

Squad Breakdown

The provisional squad blends domestic talent and international experience:

Goalkeepers: Mufunte Chishala, Catherine Musonda, Hazel Nali

Defenders: Magaret Belemu, Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko, Maluba Blessings, Saliya Mwanza, Judith Soko, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba

Midfielders: Susan Banda, Rhodah Chileshe, Avell Chitundu, Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika, Grace Chanda, Misozi Zulu

Strikers: Barbra Banda, Regina Chanda, Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri, Mercy Chipasula, Kabanghe Mupopo, Eneless Phiri, Prisca Chilufya

With foreign-based players already beginning to trickle into camp in Lusaka, preparations are gathering momentum. The Copper Queens now turn their focus to fine-tuning tactics, building chemistry, and sharpening match fitness as they chase continental success and a second consecutive World Cup appearance.

Zambia’s journey to Morocco has begun — and expectations are high.