Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has officially kicked off Zambia’s preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 by summoning a 38-member provisional squad for a local training camp set to begin on Monday. The call-up signals the start of an intensive build-up as Zambia targets a strong continental showing and qualification for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Häuptle’s squad blends experience, emerging talent, and a select number of foreign-based players whose leagues are currently on recess. Headlining the list is France-based forward Samiah Phiri, who plays for Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC. The 23-year-old attacker was born in the United States to a Zambian father and an American mother and is eligible to represent Zambia once the necessary dual citizenship processes are completed.
Samiah Phiri is expected to arrive in Zambia during the local camp, where she will undergo technical assessment while eligibility procedures are potentially finalised. Her inclusion underlines Häuptle’s continued efforts to expand the Copper Queens’ talent pool ahead of a demanding WAFCON campaign.
The coach has also included a number of under-20 players in the provisional squad. However, those players will initially remain with the U-20 national team, which is preparing for the February FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda. Their gradual integration reflects a long-term succession plan aimed at sustaining competitiveness beyond the upcoming tournament.
Zambia have been drawn in Group C at WAFCON Morocco 2026, where they will face defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and neighbours Malawi. The tournament will run from 17 March to early April, with the top four teams automatically qualifying for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Copper Queens are making their fifth appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having previously featured in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2024. Zambia also made history by qualifying for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup at the 2022 tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)
Defenders:
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC – China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Midfielders:
Susan Banda (Cekmekoy Bilgidogga Spor – Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu – China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)
Strikers:
Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC – China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Évian Grand Genève – France)
Note: Foreign-based players whose leagues are still active have been excused from the local camp.
Conclusion
With preparations now officially underway, the Copper Queens have begun laying the foundation for what could be another historic campaign. The inclusion of emerging talents, returning senior players, and the potential addition of Samiah Phiri reflects Nora Häuptle’s balanced approach as Zambia aims to navigate a tough WAFCON group and secure back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification.
