Young Copper Queens Sharpen Focus Ahead of UEFA Friendship CupMwila Names Final Squad for Turkey Meet

27.03.2025 | FootballDNA

The Zambia U20 Women’s National Team has intensified preparations for the 2025 UEFA Friendship Cup, with training sessions ongoing at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka. Under the guidance of head coach Florence Mwila, assisted by Charity Nthala and goalkeeper coach Sarah Chungu, the Young Copper Queens are undergoing rigorous drills to ensure they are in peak condition for the prestigious tournament.

Set to take place in Turkey from 31 March to 10 April, the UEFA Friendship Cup provides a crucial platform for young talents to gain international exposure and compete against diverse footballing styles. Coach Mwila has named a 20-member squad for the tournament, composed entirely of U18 players, excluding defender Natasha Nkaka, who is sidelined due to injury.

Tough Competition Awaits

Zambia has been placed in Group A alongside hosts Turkey, Colombia, and Thailand. Group B consists of Tanzania, Finland, Lebanon, and Jamaica, with Zambia and Tanzania being the only representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Young Copper Queens will commence their campaign against Colombia on 31 March, followed by fixtures against Turkey on 3 April and Thailand on 6 April. The final classification matches will be held on 9 April.

The UEFA Friendship Cup, hosted by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) at its national training centre in Riva, near Istanbul, aims to foster international cooperation, cultural exchange, and the development of young players through high-level competition.

Zambia’s 20-Member Final Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Cynthia Mushili (Nchanga Queens)

• Margaret Phiri (Elite Ladies)

Defenders:

• Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)

• Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)

• Chimwemwe Banda (Football Chance Foundation)

• Eunice Mutonyi (Police Doves Queens)

• Mwaziona Sakala (Chipata Girls)

• Fridah Tendai Mbao (Pataaki)

• Dorcas Kupanda (Kansanshi Dynamos)

• Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens)

Midfielders:

• Eunice Bwalya (YASA Queens)

• Harriet Matipa (YASA Queens)

• Zangose Blessings Zulu (Pataaki)

• Tricia Mabamba (Nchanga Queens)

Strikers:

• Bwalya Namute Chileshe (Green Buffaloes)

• Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace)

• Gift Chilwizhi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)

• Theresa Nayame (Ntindi Shining Stars)

• Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows)

• Judith Phiri (FC MUZA)

With a well-balanced squad blending defensive stability, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower, the Young Copper Queens are poised to make a strong impression at the tournament. The team’s participation in the UEFA Friendship Cup is a testament to Zambia’s growing stature in women’s football and an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent on the global stage.

Stay tuned for updates as the Young Copper Queens embark on their journey to Turkey, determined to make the nation proud!