After a nine-month absence, vice-captain Grace Chanda has made a triumphant return to the Copper Queens squad, marking a significant milestone in her recovery journey. Chanda, who last featured for the national team in June 2023, has been named in the 34-member squad summoned for the upcoming back-to-back 2024 Paris Olympics qualifier matches against Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses.
Chanda’s comeback is particularly poignant as she was sidelined from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to illness, along with goalkeeper Hazel Nali, who suffered an ACL injury. This return to the national team fold signifies a remarkable turnaround for Chanda, who is eager to make her mark once again on the international stage.
Joining Chanda in the squad is Indeni Roses’ Rhoda Chileshe, who missed recent assignments against Angola and Ghana, signaling a boost in the team’s attacking options. Additionally, ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Charity Mubanga and her teammate Vast Phiri have also earned call-ups, underlining their impressive form in the domestic league.
New faces in the squad include ZANACO Ladies defender Bernadette Mubanga and U17 midfielder Mapalo Maluba, who have been rewarded for their standout performances at the club level. However, injuries have ruled out Israel-based goalkeeper Catherine Musonda and Hakkarigucu Spur midfielder Hellen Chanda from contention for the upcoming matches.
Preparations for the crucial qualifier matches will commence on Sunday, 24th March 2024, following the conclusion of the FAZ Women’s Super League weekend fixtures. The Copper Queens will kick off their campaign by hosting the Atlas Lionesses on Friday, 5th April 2024, before traveling for the away fixture on 9th April. The stakes are high, with the overall winner over two legs securing one of the coveted spots for African nations at the Olympics, alongside the victor of the Nigeria versus South Africa clash. As the Copper Queens gear up for this pivotal challenge, the nation eagerly anticipates their quest to secure qualification for the prestigious global event.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes), Eunice Sakala (INDENI Roses), Chitete Munsaka (Elite Ladies),
DEFENDERS
Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Esther Siamfuko, Lushomo Mweemba, Esther Banda (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (YASA), Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Bernadette Mubanga, Thelma Chella (both ZANACO Ladies)
MIDFIELDERS
Grace Chanda (Madrid CFF), Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey), Ireen Lungu (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Rhodah Chileshe (INDENI Roses), Comfort Selemani (Elite Ladies), Salome Phiri (Green Buffaloes), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Ruth Mukisi, Esther Muchinga (both ZANACO Ladies), Mapalo Maluba (Marvellous Girls FC), Prisca Chilufya (Club Juarez Femenil-Mexico),
STRIKERS
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Eneless Phiri (Nkwazi Queens), Kabange Mupopo, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Charity Mubanga, Fridah Kabwe (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Namasiku Lungowe (ZISD Women), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel)
