Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle has announced her 25-member squad for the back-to-back 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Namibia, with the first leg on October 22 in South Africa and the return leg on October 26 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Hauptle will be without captain Barbra Banda, who is sidelined for the remainder of the year due to injury, but has recalled veteran midfielder Susan Banda, returning after over a year out. Other notable returns to the squad include goalkeeper Hazel Nali, midfielder Regina Chanda, and Maweta Chilenga.
Some of the regular players, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Evarine Katongo, and Margaret Belemu are all included, while Bay FC star Rachael Kundananji is expected to lead the attack alongside Angel City FC striker Prisca Chilufya and Orlando Pride’s Grace Chanda.
The local-based players have already entered camp, with foreign-based players expected to join after their weekend matches.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Rangers). Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingtan FC-China), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkaigucu Spor-Turkey). Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
Midfielders: Susan Banda, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride-USA), Evarine Katongo, Maweta Chilenga. Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China)
Strikers: Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC-USA), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA. Penelope Mulubwa (Zesco United), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls)
