Zambia Women National Team coach Nora Häuptle has unveiled a 42-member provisional squad ahead of the back-to-back Morocco 2026 FIFA Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Namibia. Foreign-based players are scheduled to join the team in the final stages of preparations when the FIFA window opens on October 20.
The first leg will take place on October 22 at Dobsonville Stadium in South Africa, as Namibia currently does not have a FIFA-approved stadium. The return leg is scheduled for four days later at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The winner over the two legs will secure qualification to the 2026 WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
Häuptle’s squad includes a mix of experienced internationals and emerging domestic talents. The provisional roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Agness Banda (Nchanga Queens), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Ng’ambo Musole, Mufunte Chishala (both Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali, Annie Namoonje (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Esther Muchinga, Judith Soko (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Matildah Mukunda, Saliya Mwanza (both Elite Ladies), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel), Esther Siamfuko, Memory Nthala, Margaret Gondwe (all Green Buffaloes), Justina Zulu, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies)
Midfielders: Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo, Hellen Chanda, Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Mary Mambwe, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades Queens)
Attackers: Chabwe Ngosa (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula, Mwangala Namakau (both Kamfinsa Police), Penelope Mulubwa, Fridah Kabwe, Mary Mbewe (all Zesco Ndola Girls), Medrine Lukhelo (Trident Queens), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Rachael Moono (Green Eagles), Maylan Mulenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Ruth Ngoma (Zanaco Ladies)
The selection emphasizes a balanced approach, combining defensive stability, midfield creativity, and attacking depth. Häuptle is expected to finalize the squad after assessing players during the camp and welcoming foreign-based stars ahead of the October fixtures.
Zambia will aim to leverage its squad depth and tactical preparation to secure a win over Namibia and maintain its position as a leading contender in African women’s football. The qualifiers mark a crucial step in the team’s journey toward Morocco 2026.