By Bola Yapa Zed | 26th October, 2025
The Copper Queens have officially booked their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a commanding 7–2 aggregate win over Namibia, completing the job with a 3–0 victory in the second leg at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday afternoon.
Having carried a 4–2 advantage from the first leg in Johannesburg, Zambia needed only to avoid a heavy defeat to progress — but instead produced a professional and dominant performance that reaffirmed their growing status as one of Africa’s elite women’s football sides.
With skipper Barbra Banda sidelined due to injury, all eyes were on Racheal Kundananji, and once again, she delivered. The Bay FC forward opened the scoring in the 21st minute, rising highest to head home Grace Chanda’s precise corner.
The goal was Kundananji’s 38th in 54 international appearances, underlining her lethal form and leadership as she continues to carry the team’s attacking burden with maturity and confidence.
The home crowd barely had time to settle after the opener when ZESCO Ndola Girls winger Eneless Phiri unleashed a thunderous shot in the 32nd minute, doubling Zambia’s lead and sending fans into jubilation. It was a moment of pure brilliance — a reminder of why Phiri remains one of the league’s most dangerous wide players.
In the second half, the Copper Queens maintained their dominance, and Prisca Chilufya put the result beyond doubt, slotting home in the 67th minute to make it 3–0 on the day and 7–2 on aggregate.
Head coach Nora Häuptle once again demonstrated her tactical versatility. Her high-pressing approach limited Namibia’s attacking rhythm, while the team’s quick transitions and wing play caused the Brave Gladiators endless problems.
After sealing the tie, Häuptle introduced several substitutions — bringing on Kabange Mupopo, Racheal Nachula, Natasha Nanyangwe, Ireen Lungu, and Penelope Mulubwa — to give the team depth and valuable minutes for fringe players ahead of the WAFCON preparations.
Without their captain Banda, the Copper Queens showed that they are no longer a one-player team. The combination of Kundananji, Chanda, Phiri, and Chilufya ensured fluid attacking play, while Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba marshaled the defense with composure.
Goalkeeper Hazel Nali enjoyed a quiet afternoon but made a few crucial saves to preserve Zambia’s first clean sheet of the qualifiers. The overall team balance reflected a unit capable of competing among Africa’s best.
This qualification marks Zambia’s fifth appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following their campaigns in 1995, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Their best performance came in 2022, where they won bronze, securing a place at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Now, the focus shifts to Morocco 2026, where the Copper Queens aim to surpass their previous record and secure one of the four automatic spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Brazil.
A near-capacity crowd at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium provided an electric atmosphere, showing once again the passionate following the team commands. Häuptle and her technical team have successfully built a new identity — blending young stars with experienced internationals — and the results are beginning to show.
As preparations begin for Morocco, Zambia will look to strengthen its squad depth, particularly in defense and midfield, while ensuring key players like Banda regain full fitness.
With a 7–2 aggregate victory, Zambia’s Copper Queens have not only sealed qualification but also sent a strong message to the rest of Africa. The team’s performance — disciplined, clinical, and united — embodies the growth of Zambian women’s football.
As they head to Morocco 2026, the mission is clear: to go one step further than before, chase continental glory, and secure another appearance on the world stage.
