US-born midfielder Sampa Chisanga has described the COSAFA Women’s Championship as a crucial stepping stone in her quest to break into Zambia’s final squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Konkola Blades Queens midfielder is part of the Copper Queens squad set to compete at the regional tournament in Polokwane, South Africa, which kicks off this afternoon. Defending champions Zambia have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini.

“I’m just going to pour my heart out and put my best effort in…. And I guess we’ll see what happens. But I’m hoping for the best,” Chisanga said.

The former ZISD FC and Red Arrows midfielder has steadily built her profile in the Zambian Women’s Super League and now stands on the brink of making her senior debut for the Copper Queens.

When asked what fans should expect from her, she said, “Definitely high energy, tactical play, technical play, IQ play—just a little bit of everything. That’s what they’re expecting, and that’s what I’m going to give them, if I am given an opportunity.”

Chisanga is clear about her ambitions beyond COSAFA.

“I’m definitely going to put my heart out, and I pray that I elevate higher in the team …. So I can go to the Afcon and advance to that squad. Through hard work, definitely. I know that’s the one thing that’s going to advance me to the Afcon squad,” she added.

The Charles Haalubono-coached side will begin their title defence against Botswana on Thursday at 15:00.

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