Zambia’s Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle has named a 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Window Three-Nations Tournament in Lilongwe, Malawi. The squad will prepare for competitive action ahead of the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations, with Malawi and Zimbabwe joining as hosts and participants.
With captain Barbra Banda sidelined due to injury, United States-based Rachael Kundananji of Bay FC has been handed leadership responsibilities. The squad includes experienced players such as Mary Wilombe, Rachael Nachula, Grace Chanda, Kabange Mupopo, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo, and Susan Banda, providing a strong core that helped Zambia secure qualification for WAFCON 2026.
Coach Hauptle has retained a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talent. Under-17 Women National Team skipper Mercy Chipasula, goalkeeper Chishala Mfunte, and defender Margaret Gondwe have been called up to gain exposure at senior level.
The tournament will run from November 28 to December 2, offering a platform for Zambia and Malawi to fine-tune their squads ahead of WAFCON.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Margaret Gondwe (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Midfielders: Susan Banda (Cekemekoy-Turkey), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride-USA), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichun-China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
Forwards: Regina Chanda (Zanaco), Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneles Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China)
The Three-Nation Tournament provides the Copper Queens with an opportunity to build team cohesion, test tactical formations, and prepare younger players for high-level competition, strengthening Zambia’s position ahead of WAFCON 2026.