Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has announced a 25-member provisional squad ahead of Zambia’s crucial back-to-back Morocco 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Namibia, but her selection has already sparked major debate.
Avell Chitundu Omission Raises Eyebrows
One of the biggest talking points is the exclusion of Avell Chitundu, who is currently the most in-form player in the Eden University Women’s Super League.
The ZESCO Ndola Girls captain leads the goal-scoring charts with eight goals and has scored in four consecutive league matches, making her the most prolific Zambian attacker this season — yet she has been left out.
Fans and pundits alike have already begun questioning Nora’s decision-making ahead of a must-win tie.
Key Returns and Notable Absences
Midfielder Susan Banda makes her long-awaited return to the national setup for the first time since suffering an injury in April last year.
However, CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year and star striker Barbra Banda is still unavailable due to a persistent hip injury that has already ruled her out of action for Orlando Pride in the NWSL.
Full Provisional Squad – Copper Queens vs Namibia (2026 WAFCON Qualifiers)
🧤 Goalkeepers
Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes Women)
Hazel Nali (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
🛡️ Defenders
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Rangers)
Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingtan FC – China)
Martha Tembo (Hakkaigucu Spor – Turkey)
Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkaigucu Spor – Turkey)
Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem – Israel)
Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)
Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
🎯 Midfielders
Susan Banda (Red Arrows)
Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride – USA)
Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)
Natasha ‘Little Tasha’ Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)
Ireen Lungu (Sichuan – China)
⚔️ Forwards / Strikers
Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses)
Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)
Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC – USA)
Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC – USA)
Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO United)
Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC – China)
Eneless Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
