Nora Häuptle, the newly appointed head coach of the Zambia Women’s National Team, has named her first squad ahead of two friendlies against Malawi scheduled for the February women’s international window in Zambia.

The Copper Queens are preparing for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place from July 5 to July 26, 2025. They were placed in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the tournament.

Given the target of winning WAFCON, Häuptle has hit the ground running, selecting a 30-member roster of locally based players, including China’s Jiangsu midfielder Irene Lungu, who was in the country at the time of the selection.

As expected, the Swiss coach has called up some of the young players who performed well for the U-17 team. Mwila Mufunte and Namute Chileshe, both U17 team graduates, are among the youngest players called up, along with Copper Princesses captain Mercy Chipasula and striker Ruth Mukoma.

The squad also includes the top ten goal scorers in the Eden University Women’s Super League, including ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has 25 goals in 23 games.

According to FAZ, foreign-based players will be added to strengthen the squad ahead of the two matches against Malawi.

FAZ also disclosed that the team will enter camp from Sunday (February 16) to Friday (February 21). Foreign-based players will join the team before the final squad is unveiled next weekend.

HÄUPTLE 30-MEMBER SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole (both Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

DEFENDERS: Margaret Belemu, Elizabeth Nachivula (both Red Arrows), Tabo Miselo, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies). Theresa Musatila, Vast Phiri, Judith Soko (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes)

MIDFIELDERS: Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls). Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes). Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu-China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows)

STRIKERS: Maweta Chilenga, Namute Chileshe, Maylan Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Fridah Kabwe. Penelope Mulubwa, Ruth Mukoma, Fridah Mukoma (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers Queens)

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