Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono has unveiled Zambia’s 26-member squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ahead of the team’s departure for Algeria on Tuesday.
Haalubono announced the squad on behalf of head coach Nora Häuptle, who, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), will join the team in Algeria for the pre-WAFCON training camp.
Addressing concerns over Häuptle’s absence ahead of the tournament, Haalubono said he remains in constant communication with the Swiss tactician and that preparations have continued as planned.
“We are always together with her when she’s in Zambia. She has set up the plan on how we are supposed to work, and most of the time when she’s here, we plan together,” Haalubono responded to a question on whether the absence of the coach is a concern.
He continued, “We implement the exercises together, technical and tactical. I don’t see any gap, and we are working hand in hand. And so, yes, I don’t think there is a problem there.”
Zambia will play two international friendly matches against Algeria’s Fennecs on July 19 and July 21 before travelling to Morocco for the tournament.
The squad is captained by Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda and features Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji. Also included are exciting young talents Mercy Chipasula, Fridah Mukoma and Eneless Phiri.
Defender Ochumba Oseke and midfielder Susan Banda return to the national team, while Natasha Nanyangwe, who impressed at the 2022 WAFCON, has been left out of the squad.
Zambia have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi.
The Copper Queens will begin their campaign against Egypt on July 28 before taking on Nigeria on August 1. They will conclude the group stage against the Scorchers of Malawi on August 5.
The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
DEFENDERS: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Rachael Nachula (both Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens). Siomala Mapepa (Altaraji Club-Saudi Arabia), Saliya Mwanza, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey)
MIDFIELDERS: Susan Banda (Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Queretaro-Mexico), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames-Saudi Arabia), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni). Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Ra’anana Women’s FC-Israel), Ireen Lungu (Sichua-China)
STRIKERS: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls). Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan-China). Kabange Mupopo (Liaoning Shenbel Hefeng-China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Quanzhou Naan-China)
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