ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Eneless Phiri headlines Zambia’s 23-member squad for the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship set for February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa. Head coach Nora Häuptle has assembled a balanced squad tasked with defending Zambia’s regional crown while simultaneously sharpening preparations for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

With several first-choice foreign-based players unavailable due to club commitments, Phiri is expected to shoulder significant attacking responsibility. The tournament presents an opportunity for emerging players to stake claims ahead of WAFCON, which kicks off on March 17, when overseas stars are expected to rejoin the squad.

Zambia enter the competition as two-time recent champions (2022 and 2024) and runners-up in 2023, underlining their regional dominance. However, this year’s campaign doubles as a developmental platform, making squad rotation and tactical experimentation central to Häuptle’s approach.

Experience Anchors a Transitional Squad

Häuptle has retained key senior figures to provide structure and leadership within a relatively experimental group. Rachael Nachula, Kabange Mupopo, Hazel Nali, Susan Banda, Agness Musesa and Margaret Belemu bring invaluable international pedigree and dressing-room authority.

Mupopo, currently with Henan WFC in China, adds attacking versatility and composure in high-pressure situations. Turkey-based midfielder Susan Banda offers tactical intelligence and distribution control in midfield, while goalkeeper Hazel Nali provides stability between the posts.

The inclusion of experienced defenders such as Belemu and Musesa ensures defensive cohesion, particularly important given the integration of younger talents. Their presence allows Zambia to maintain competitive integrity while gradually expanding the national team depth chart.

Youth Injection Signals Long-Term Planning

A new generation has earned its opportunity in Polokwane. Saliya Mwanza, Mercy Chipasula, Margaret Gondwe, Mapalo Maluba and Chishala Mufunte represent the next wave of Copper Queens talent.

This selection reflects Häuptle’s strategic intent to widen the player pool ahead of continental competition. Domestic standouts such as Konkola Blades duo Sampa Chisanga and Natasha Witika have been rewarded for consistent league performances.

The integration of these players is not merely experimental — it is structural planning. COSAFA provides competitive minutes in a tournament environment, allowing technical assessment under pressure before final WAFCON squad decisions are made.

Group B: A Competitive Assignment

Zambia have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana and Eswatini — a pool that demands tactical discipline and consistency.

The Copper Queens will open their campaign against Botswana on February 18 at Seshego Stadium (15h00). A high-stakes encounter with Zimbabwe follows three days later before Zambia conclude group action against Eswatini on February 24 at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Only group winners and the best runner-up advance to the semi-finals, raising the margin for error. With eleven teams competing across three venues, squad rotation and game management will be critical.

Full Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers

Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes)
Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
Hazel Nali (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Defenders

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)
Agness Musesa (Green Buffaloes)
Rachael Nachula (Green Buffaloes)
Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)
Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)
Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens)
Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)
Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Midfielders

Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey)
Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses)
Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Sampa Chisanga (Konkola Blades)
Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)

Strikers

Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)
Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)
Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes)
Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police)
Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC – China)
Eneless Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)