The Zambia senior women’s national football team, known as the Copper Queens, is preparing for a major international test at the Four Nations FIFA Window Tournament scheduled from June 1 to June 9 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The competition brings together four African teams, including Zambia, Lesotho, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, in a tightly packed preparatory window. The tournament comes at a crucial time as teams fine tune their squads ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations set for later this year in Morocco. The event is expected to provide high level competitive matches that will test tactical depth and squad readiness. It also offers fans in Zambia a chance to watch top women’s football action on home soil.
Zambia women’s national football team (Copper Queens) head coach Nora Häuptle has named a 29 member squad for the tournament, signaling a strong focus on preparation and squad assessment. The selected players will use the tournament to compete for places in the final WAFCON squad and to strengthen team chemistry. The coaching setup is expected to rotate players across the three matches to evaluate depth and adaptability. This approach allows the technical team to test combinations under competitive pressure. The squad selection also reflects a balance between experienced players and emerging talent.
The participating teams include Lesotho women’s national football team, Kenya women’s national football team (Harambee Starlets), and Zimbabwe women’s national football team (Mighty Warriors), all of whom are also preparing for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from July 25 to August 16. The tournament has been designed as a competitive preparation platform where teams can assess form, fitness, and tactical execution. Each match will provide valuable insights into squad strengths and areas needing improvement. The fixture schedule ensures that all teams face strong opposition in a short timeframe. This structure is expected to simulate the intensity of continental competition.
The matches will be hosted at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, a venue known for hosting major football fixtures in Zambia. Playing at home gives the Copper Queens a strong advantage, including familiar conditions and local fan support. The stadium is expected to draw significant attention from supporters eager to see the national team compete ahead of a major continental tournament. Organisers have confirmed that the tournament falls within the FIFA international window, allowing full participation of overseas based players. This ensures that all teams arrive with their strongest available squads.
The Football Associations of the participating countries have stated that the tournament is aimed at improving readiness for WAFCON and strengthening women’s football development across the region. The competition is also expected to improve international exposure for players and coaching staff. For Zambia, the tournament is an important step in building momentum after recent improvements in women’s football performance on the continental stage. The Copper Queens will use the matches to sharpen tactical discipline, improve attacking efficiency, and strengthen defensive organisation. The intensity of the games is expected to mirror the demands of continental championship football.
Overall, the Four Nations FIFA Window Tournament represents a key milestone in the build up to the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. It provides a structured environment for competitive preparation while strengthening regional football ties between Zambia, Lesotho, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. For the Copper Queens, the tournament offers both a test and an opportunity to refine their squad under match conditions. With strong opposition and home advantage, Zambia will aim to deliver competitive performances and build confidence ahead of the continental stage. The event is expected to play a significant role in shaping final preparations for all participating teams.