Copper Queens Coach Nora Häuptle has announced her 23-member squad for the 2026 Cosafa Women Championship, set to take place in Polokwane, South Africa, from February 18 to March 1. Defending champions Zambia have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini. The tournament serves as a key preparation platform for the Morocco 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations, allowing the coaching team to evaluate talent and build team cohesion ahead of the continental competition. Häuptle’s squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging players, ensuring a balance of leadership and fresh energy on the field.
The Cosafa squad includes seasoned players such as Rachael Nachula, Kabanghe Mupopo, Hazel Nali, Susana Banda, Agness Musesa, and Margaret Belemu. They will be joined by promising newcomers including Mercy Chipasula, Margaret Gondwe, and Chishala Mufunte, all looking to stake their claim for WAFCON selection. The mix of domestic and foreign-based talent is designed to strengthen squad depth while giving young players exposure to competitive international football. Eleven teams will compete for regional honours, with matches scheduled at Seshego Stadium, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, and New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Zambia will open their campaign on February 18 against Botswana at 15h00 at Seshego Stadium. Their second group match comes three days later against Zimbabwe, followed by the final Group B fixture against Eswatini on February 24 at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The top team from each pool and the best runner-up will advance to the semi-finals, keeping Zambia’s championship aspirations alive. Zambia enters the tournament with a strong record, having won the championship in 2022 and 2024, and finishing as runners-up in 2023.
The squad selection covers all positions, with goalkeepers Chishala Mufunte, Catherine Musonda, and Hazel Nali forming a reliable last line of defence. Defenders include Margaret Belemu, Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko, Maluba Blessings, Saliya Mwanza, and Judith Soko, providing experience and versatility. The midfield boasts Susan Banda, Rhodah Chileshe, Avell Chitundu, Sampa Chisanga, and Natasha Witika, while the attacking line features Regina Chanda, Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri, Mercy Chipasula, Kabanghe Mupopo, and Eneless Phiri. This combination allows for tactical flexibility and options to rotate players based on form and fitness.
Some foreign-based players are unavailable for this tournament due to club commitments, but they are expected to join the team during final preparations for WAFCON, which kicks off on March 17. Häuptle emphasized that the Cosafa Women Championship is critical for team assessment, building cohesion, and preparing Zambia for continental competition. With a mix of experience, youth, and tactical planning, the Copper Queens aim to defend their title and continue their dominance in Southern African women’s football while preparing for success at the continental level.