Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Häuptle has unveiled a 30-member locally assembled squad in preparation for two international friendlies against Malawi’s Scorchers during the upcoming FIFA international window. These matches are part of the Copper Queens’ preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in July in Morocco.
The squad includes the top 10 goal scorers from the Eden University Women’s Super League, headlined by ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has impressively netted 25 goals in 23 matches. Other notable inclusions are rising stars Mwila Mufunte and Namute Chileshe, both graduates of the U17 national team, alongside Copper Princesses captain Mercy Chipasula and prolific striker Ruth Mukoma.
The friendlies, scheduled for February, aim to provide Häuptle an opportunity to fine-tune her squad as they prepare for WAFCON. Zambia has been drawn in Group A of the tournament alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo, with matches running from July 5 to 26.
The local squad will enter camp from February 16 to February 21, after which foreign-based players will join the team to strengthen the lineup. The final squad for the matches will be unveiled before the final camp begins next weekend.
30-MEMBER SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
- Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes)
- Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes)
- Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
- Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Defenders:
- Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
- Elizabeth Nachivula (Red Arrows)
- Tabo Miselo (Zanaco Ladies)
- Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
- Theresa Musatila (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)
- Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)
Midfielders:
- Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)
- Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Marjory Mulenga (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
- Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)
- Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu, China)
- Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows)
- Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
Strikers:
- Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)
- Namute Chileshe (Green Buffaloes)
- Maylan Mulenga (Green Buffaloes)
- Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)
- Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Ruth Mukoma (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Fridah Mukoma (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers Queens)
This local camp provides a crucial opportunity for Häuptle and her technical team to assess the players’ form and readiness ahead of a busy international schedule. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the Copper Queens look poised to make a strong impression as they continue to prepare for their WAFCON campaign.