Zambia Women’s National Team coach Nora Häuptle has announced a 24-player squad for the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament, set to take place in Chongqing, China, from April 5-8.
The tournament, featuring hosts China, Uzbekistan, and Thailand, serves as part of the Copper Queens’ preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July in Morocco. Zambia has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo for the continental showpiece, which runs from July 5-26.
The squad welcomes back Orlando Pride midfielder Grace Chanda, who returns to action for the first time since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after recovering from injury. Prisca Chilufya, who recently joined Orlando Pride, also makes her return after missing the last two friendlies against Malawi.
Indeni Roses duo Eunice Sakala (goalkeeper) and Rhoda Chileshe (midfielder) have earned call-ups, while ZISD Women defender Jackline Chomba re-joins the squad following her participation in the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Notably absent from the squad are Green Buffaloes goalkeeper Ngambo Musole, Ochumba Oseke, and Zesco Ndola Girls FC midfielder Avell Chitundu.
BELOW IS THE FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
DEFENDERS: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women), Blessing Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies). Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
MIDFIELDERS: Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Evarine Susan Katongo. Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel)
STRIKERS: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Kabange Mupopo (Henan Jianye-China), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China).
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