The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced a 35-member provisional squad named by Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle ahead of the team’s upcoming international friendly matches against South Africa and Botswana, scheduled for 31 May and 3 June, respectively.
Both fixtures will be hosted in South Africa, FAZ confirmed.
These matches will mark Zambia’s first encounter with South Africa since their heartbreaking semifinal clash at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Häuptle’s provisional squad will enter camp this weekend in preparation for the two friendlies. The Swiss coach has handed first-time call-ups to U-20 defender Margret Gondwe of Green Buffaloes and Elite Ladies goalkeeper Margret Phiri.
Zesco Ndola Girls FC goalkeeper Leticia Lungu makes a return to the squad after a one-year absence, while Red Arrows duo Mary Wilombe and Mary Mambwe have also been recalled.
Zambia is preparing for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will run from July 5 to 26, 2025, in Morocco.
FULL 35-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Margaret Phiri (The Elite Ladies), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
DEFENDERS: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes). Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses). Matildah Mukunda (The Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies)
MIDFIELDERS: Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA). Maweta Chilenga, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens). Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe, Mary Mambwe (both Red Arrows)
STRIKERS: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China). Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
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