Copper Queens Depart for China for Yongchuan International Tournament
The Zambia Women’s National Team, popularly known as the Copper Queens, has officially departed for China to participate in the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament, set to take place in Chongqing from April 5-8. A contingent of 14 locally-based players left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 15:25 aboard Qatar Airways, with 10 foreign-based players set to join them in China. The tournament serves as an important preparatory event for the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July 2025 in Morocco.
Copper Queens’ Tournament Schedule
Under the leadership of head coach Nora Häuptle, the Copper Queens will compete in a four-nation tournament alongside China PR (hosts), Uzbekistan, and Thailand. Zambia will begin their campaign on April 5 against Thailand, with a victory securing them a spot in the final on April 8, where they will face either China PR or Uzbekistan. This competition will provide the technical bench with an opportunity to assess the squad’s readiness, as well as fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON.
Squad Composition
The 24-member squad comprises a mix of experienced foreign-based stars and promising local talent, highlighting Zambia’s growing strength in women’s football. Captain Barbra Banda, along with Racheal Kundananji and Grace Chanda, will spearhead the attack, while Evarine Katongo and Ireen Lungu will command the midfield. Margaret Belemu, Lushomo Mweemba, and Martha Tembo will anchor the defense, while Catherine Musonda and Mwila Chishala Mufunte will battle for the starting goalkeeper spot.
24-MEMBER SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
DEFENDERS
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women), Blessing Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
MIDFIELDERS
Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel)
STRIKERS
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Kabange Mupopo (Henan Jianye-China), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China)
By FAZ Media
The 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament presents a golden opportunity for the Copper Queens to test their squad against quality opposition ahead of WAFCON 2024. With a blend of youthful energy and international experience, Zambia will be eager to compete at the highest level and fine-tune their squad for the challenges ahead. Fans will be keenly watching as the team aims to make a strong statement in China before shifting focus to the continental stage in Morocco.
