Hazel Nali Returns to Copper Queens Squad As Nora Summons 42 Players for Namibia Clash

Hazel Nali has returned to the Copper Queens squad for the first time since 2023 after recovering from an ACL injury.

The goalkeeper has been named in coach Nora Häuptle’s 42-member provisional squad for the back-to-back Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Namibia.

Nali’s comeback follows her impressive performances with Zesco Ndola Girls, whom she helped reach the final of the COSAFA Women’s Champions League on their debut.

Also included is Nchanga Queens goalkeeper Agness Fabiola Banda, while Natasha Witika — who recently joined Konkola Blades Queens — has received her first national team call-up.

According to a statement by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on Monday, foreign-based players will join the squad during the final phase of preparations when the FIFA window opens on October 20. Though the team will be without captain and top scorer, Barbra Banda, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hip abductor injury.

Zambia will face Namibia on October 22 at Dobsonville Stadium in South Africa, before hosting the return leg at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The aggregate winner will qualify for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Agness Banda (Nchanga Queens), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Ng’ambo Musole, Mufunte Chishala (both Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali, Annie Namoonje (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)

DEFENDERS: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Esther Muchinga, Judith Soko (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Esther Siamfuko, Memory Nthala, Margaret Gondwe (all Green Buffaloes), Justina Zulu, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies),

MIDFIELDERS: Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo, Hellen Chanda, Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Mary Mambwe, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades Queens)

ATTACKERS: Chabwe Ngosa (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula, Mwangala Namakau (both Kamfinsa Police), Penelope Mulubwa, Fridah Kabwe, Mary Mbewe (all Zesco Ndola Girls), Medrine Lukhelo (Trident Queens), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Rachael Moono (Green Eagles), Maylan Mulenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Ruth Ngoma (Zanaco Ladies)