Copper Queens Depart for Brazil Without Head Coach
The Zambia Women’s National Football Team has officially unveiled a 25-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Series set to take place in Cuiabá, Brazil, from April 9 to 18, 2026.
Zambia is scheduled to face Canada, Brazil, and South Korea in what is expected to be a high-level international test ahead of major competitions later this year.
However, a notable development is that the team has departed Lusaka for Brazil without head coach Nora Häuptle. As of now, no official communication has been issued by the Football Association of Zambia regarding her absence. Information available to Bola Yapa Zed indicates that assistant coach Charles Halubono is currently in charge of the team.
Several players have also been ruled out due to various circumstances. Racheal Kundananji, Eneless Phiri, Avell Chitundu, and Xiomara Mapepa miss out through injury, while Evarine Katongo is unavailable due to the ongoing security situation in Israel.
Full Copper Queens Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes)
Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
Defenders:
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)
Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens)
Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)
Agness Musesa (Green Buffaloes)
Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)
Martha Tembo (Hakkarigucu, Turkey)
Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu, Turkey)
Rachael Nachula (Green Buffaloes)
Midfielders:
Susan Banda (Cekmekoy Bilgidoga, Turkey)
Grace Chanda (Querétaro, Mexico)
Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses)
Esther Muchinga (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Ireen Lungu (Sichuan, China)
Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)
Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)
Forwards:
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, USA)
Prisca Chilufya (Angel City, USA)
Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police)
Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows)
Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses)
Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes)
The FIFA Series presents a critical opportunity for Zambia to test squad depth and tactical cohesion against top international opposition. However, the absence of the head coach and lack of official clarification introduces an element of uncertainty around the team’s technical leadership heading into the tournament.
