Following the final draw of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held on Thursday, in which the Copper Queens were placed in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and debutants Malawi, head coach Nora Häuptle has named a 38-member provisional squad ahead of the tournament.
The 2026 WAFCON will be staged in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
Häuptle has summoned France-based striker Samiah Phiri, who plays for Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC. The 23-year-old, born in the United States to a Zambian father, expressed her interest in representing Zambia in an interview with BolaNews in June last year.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed that Phiri is expected to travel to Zambia during the local training camp “for assessment and possibly to complete the eligibility process.”
Häuptle has also included several under-20 players in the provisional squad. However, FAZ clarified that the youngsters will initially remain with their age-group team, which is preparing for the February round of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda.
Meanwhile, FAZ also explained that foreign-based players whose leagues are currently active have been excused from the local camp. These include Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Racheal Kundananji, among others.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls). Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)
DEFENDERS: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies). Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes). Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens). Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies),Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)
MIDFIELDERS: Susan Banda (CekmekoyBilgidogga Spor-Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both Zesco Ndola Girls). Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu-China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)
STRIKERS: Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police). Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls). Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC-China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Evian Grand Geneve-France).
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