The Zambia Women’s National Team has received a major boost ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with the arrival of experienced midfielder Grace Chanda in the team’s training camp in Algiers, Algeria. Chanda’s return strengthens the Copper Queens as they enter the final phase of preparations for one of Africa’s biggest women’s football tournaments. Her experience, technical ability, and leadership qualities are expected to play an important role as Zambia fine tunes its squad before the competition begins. The midfielder’s arrival comes at a crucial stage, with the team focused on improving fitness, tactical organization, and match readiness. As anticipation continues to build, the Copper Queens remain determined to make a strong impression at this year’s WAFCON.
Grace Chanda, who currently plays her club football in Mexico, arrived at Houari Boumediene International Airport on Thursday morning before joining her teammates at the team’s hotel in Algiers. Her arrival completes another important step in assembling a full-strength squad as the coaching staff prepares for the demanding tournament ahead. Having established herself as one of Zambia’s most talented midfielders, Chanda brings valuable international experience that will benefit the squad during both training sessions and competitive matches. Her ability to control possession, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively makes her one of the key players in the Copper Queens setup. The team will be hoping that her presence adds further balance and creativity in midfield as preparations intensify.
The Copper Queens are currently using Algeria as their final training base before the start of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Training camps held before major tournaments allow coaching staff to assess player fitness, refine tactical systems, and strengthen team chemistry. These sessions are particularly important as players arrive from different clubs around the world, each bringing varying levels of match fitness and playing styles. The coaching team will use this period to ensure every player understands their tactical responsibilities while building confidence ahead of the tournament. A successful preparation camp often plays a significant role in determining how teams perform once the competition officially begins.
One of the highlights of Zambia’s preparations will be an international friendly match against the Algeria Women’s National Team on Sunday. Friendly matches provide an important opportunity for coaches to evaluate different tactical approaches under competitive conditions without the pressure of tournament points. The encounter will allow the Copper Queens to assess their attacking combinations, defensive organization, and overall match fitness against quality opposition. It will also give players valuable minutes on the pitch as they continue building momentum before WAFCON. Such fixtures help identify areas that still require improvement while giving the coaching staff valuable information when making final squad and tactical decisions.
Grace Chanda’s inclusion is particularly significant because of her ability to influence games from midfield. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as a composed and technically gifted player capable of dictating the tempo of matches. Her vision, accurate passing, and ability to support both attack and defence have made her an important member of the national team over the years. Playing professionally in Mexico has also exposed her to a competitive football environment that continues to enhance her skills and experience. Those qualities are expected to strengthen the Copper Queens as they prepare to face some of the continent’s strongest teams during the tournament.
The Copper Queens have continued to establish themselves as one of Africa’s rising forces in women’s football over recent years. Strong performances at major international competitions have increased expectations from supporters who believe the team has the talent to compete for top honours. The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging young players who continue to develop under the national team setup. This balance provides the coaching staff with multiple tactical options while creating healthy competition for places in the starting lineup. Every training session and friendly match now becomes an opportunity for players to prove they are ready for the challenges that await at WAFCON.
The atmosphere within the camp is expected to become even stronger following Grace Chanda’s arrival, as the team continues preparing together ahead of the continental championship. Having a complete squad allows the coaching staff to implement full tactical sessions and build stronger understanding between players in every position. Team unity, communication, and consistency are often decisive factors in major tournaments where small details can determine the outcome of matches. The players will also benefit from spending additional time together off the field, strengthening the team spirit that has become one of the Copper Queens’ defining characteristics. This sense of togetherness will be essential as they pursue success on one of Africa’s biggest football stages.
Grace Chanda’s arrival in Algeria represents another positive development for Zambia as the Copper Queens complete their final preparations for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Her experience and quality add significant value to a squad that is determined to compete strongly throughout the tournament. Sunday’s international friendly against the Algeria Women’s National Team will provide an important opportunity to test the team’s readiness before the competition officially begins. With preparations entering their final stages and key players now assembled, confidence continues to grow within the camp. Football fans across Zambia will be hoping the Copper Queens can carry this momentum into WAFCON and produce another memorable campaign on the continental stage.