The Zambia Women’s National Team, popularly known as the Copper Queens, has received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after the Algerian government stepped in to facilitate the team’s preparations. The support comes as the Copper Queens prepare for an international training camp in Algeria, where they will face the Algerian women’s national team in two international friendly matches. The initiative highlights the growing football relationship between Zambia and Algeria while also strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. With WAFCON serving as one of Africa’s biggest women’s football tournaments, the opportunity to prepare under North African conditions is expected to benefit the Zambian squad. The collaboration demonstrates how sport continues to unite nations beyond competition.
The breakthrough followed a courtesy visit at Football House, where Algerian Ambassador to Zambia, Tewfik Mahi, met with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) leadership led by President Keith Mweemba. Also present during the meeting were FAZ Vice President Mutale Ng’andu, Women’s Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba, and General Secretary Charles Chakatazya. During the discussions, Ambassador Mahi confirmed that the Algerian Embassy would simplify the visa process for the Copper Queens delegation after a request from the Algerian Football Federation. He further announced that all visas required for the Zambian delegation would be issued free of charge. The decision removes one of the biggest logistical hurdles for the team’s preparations and reflects Algeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation through sport.
Ambassador Mahi emphasized that the initiative extends beyond football and forms part of broader diplomatic efforts between the two countries. He explained that Algeria remains committed to promoting closer relations with Zambia through various sectors, including sports, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. According to the ambassador, the opening of the Algerian Embassy in Zambia was intended to make cooperation easier and encourage stronger engagement between both nations. He noted that football provides an ideal platform to build lasting partnerships because of its popularity across Africa. His remarks reinforced the importance of using sporting exchanges to deepen bilateral relations while creating opportunities for future collaboration.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Mahi also expressed optimism about the future of football relations between Zambia and Algeria. Besides the Copper Queens’ upcoming friendlies, Zambia’s senior men’s national team, Chipolopolo, is scheduled to face Algeria during the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He described both countries as football nations with proud histories on the continent. While acknowledging Zambia’s previous success in African football, he expressed hope that the country would once again become one of Africa’s leading football powers. He believes that regular international matches between the two countries will strengthen football development while expanding cooperation into other sporting disciplines.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba welcomed Algeria’s support and described the upcoming camp as a valuable opportunity for the Copper Queens. He said preparing in North Africa will allow Zambia’s players to acclimatize to weather conditions and playing environments similar to those they will experience during WAFCON in Morocco. Mweemba also praised the timing of the two friendly matches, noting that both Zambia and Algeria have qualified for the continental tournament. He expressed hope that both nations would enjoy successful campaigns and possibly meet again in the tournament’s final. He further pointed out that WAFCON also serves as a pathway toward qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, making every preparation match even more important.
The FAZ president added that the arrangement offers practical financial benefits for both football associations. By conducting their training camp together and organizing friendly matches before travelling to Morocco, both teams can significantly reduce preparation and transport costs. Plans are in place for Zambia and Algeria to travel together on a chartered flight after completing the two matches. Such logistical cooperation demonstrates how partnerships between football associations can improve efficiency while ensuring teams receive quality preparations. These savings can then be redirected toward other aspects of player welfare and tournament readiness.
FAZ Vice President Mutale Ng’andu also expressed gratitude to the Algerian Football Federation for selecting Zambia as its preferred WAFCON preparation partner. He said the invitation reflects the confidence Algeria has in the quality of the Copper Queens and their ability to provide strong competition. Ng’andu noted that international friendlies against quality opponents are vital in helping players sharpen their tactical awareness and build confidence before major tournaments. He described the collaboration as a positive step that benefits both national teams equally. The experience is expected to improve competitiveness while strengthening football relations between the two federations.
Women’s Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba shared her appreciation for Algeria’s gesture, describing the partnership as both meaningful and emotional. She welcomed the growing friendship between the two football associations and praised the willingness shown by Algeria to support the Copper Queens’ preparations. Her remarks reflected the importance of international cooperation in advancing women’s football across Africa. Building relationships through the women’s game continues to create opportunities for greater investment and development on the continent. Such partnerships also encourage more regular international competition, which is essential for raising standards.
FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed that the two international friendly matches will take place on 19 July and 22 July before both teams depart together for Morocco. The fixtures will provide the final competitive test for the Copper Queens before they begin their WAFCON campaign. Playing against another qualified tournament participant will allow Zambia’s technical team to assess player fitness, tactical systems, and squad combinations under match conditions. The carefully planned camp reflects FAZ’s determination to give the Copper Queens the best possible preparation for one of Africa’s biggest football competitions. With diplomatic support, strong cooperation between the two football associations, and valuable international matches lined up, Zambia heads into WAFCON preparations with renewed confidence and optimism for a successful tournament.