Israel-based midfielder Evarine Katongo and USA-based forward Racheal Kundananji have been omitted from Nora Hauptle’s 29-member provisional squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, as they are unable to travel.
FAZ stated, “Some of the foreign-based players caught up in a travel predicament given the heightening war in the Middle East will join the fray once the coast is clear.”
Major airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have suspended scheduled flights to Zambia following the escalating tensions in the region.
Other notable players missing in the squad include Ireen Lungu and Hellen Chanda.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS: Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
DEFENDERS: Magaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes). Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls). Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigücü-Turkey)
MIDFIELDERS: Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor-Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls). Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades), Grace Chanda (Club Querétaro-Mexico), Misozi Zulu (Hibernians-Malta)
STRIKERS: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes). Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Kabanghe Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC-USA).
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