Copper Queens: Provisional Squad Unveiled for Paris Olympics Qualifiers Against Ghana”
Zambia Women’s National Team coach Bruce Mwape has revealed his provisional squad ahead of the crucial Paris Olympics Women’s Football Tournament qualifiers against Ghana. The squad, featuring a mix of experienced players and rising talents, is poised to face the Black Queens in a bid to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Mwape has opted to retain most of the players who excelled during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Angola. Additionally, he has introduced fresh talent from the FAZ Women’s Super League, including defender Tabo Miselo and striker Florence Banda, who have impressed for the parliamentarians.
A notable inclusion in the squad is Green Buffaloes striker Kabange Mupopo, marking her return after an eight-year absence. Elite Ladies midfielder Comfort Selemani also makes a comeback after missing out on the WAFCON qualifiers. However, Red Arrows captain Susan Banda will miss the Ghana matches due to injury sustained in a recent league match.
The Copper Queens will face Ghana in a two-legged affair, with the first leg scheduled at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Friday, 23rd February. The return fixture will take place five days later as Zambia aims to secure victory and advance to the next round of qualifiers.
The squad boasts a blend of talent from domestic and international leagues, with players plying their trade across Europe and China. Notable names include goalkeeper Catherine Musonda, defender Martha Tembo, midfielders Hellen Chanda and Salome Phiri, and forward Barbra Banda, among others.
GOALKEEPERS
Catherine Musonda (Hapoel Raanana Women FC-Israel), Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)
DEFENDERS
Natasha Kapombo (INDENI Roses), Tabo Miselo (National Assembly), Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Katila Banda, Esther Banda, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (YASA)
MIDFIELDERS
Misozi Zulu, Hellen Chanda (both Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey), Ireen Lungu (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Comfort Selemani (Elite Ladies), Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Salome Phiri (Green Buffaloes), Marjory Mulenga, Avell Chitundu (both ZESCO Ndola Girls)
STRIKERS
Rachael Kundananji (Madrid CFF-Spain), Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli-China), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Namasiku Lungowe (ZISD Women), Kabange Mupopo (Green Buffaloes), Eneless Phiri (Nkwazi Queens), Norin Betani (INDENI Roses), Florence Banda (National Assembly)
