Häuptle Names 29-Member Squad for WAFCON Preparations

The Zambia women’s national football team have intensified preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after head coach Nora Häuptle summoned 29 players to camp in Lusaka.

Team captain Barbra Banda makes a welcome return following an injury layoff, while Malta-based midfielder Misozi Zulu rejoins the squad after missing the previous WAFCON edition. Zulu was part of the historic 2022 campaign that paved the way for Zambia’s debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Häuptle has retained the entire 23-member squad that competed at the recent COSAFA tournament and supplemented it with six foreign-based players. However, some overseas players affected by travel complications linked to tensions in the Middle East are expected to join camp once conditions permit.

Zambia have dual objectives during this international window: fine-tuning for WAFCON and competing in the upcoming FIFA Series in Brazil scheduled for April 11–18. During the invitational tournament, the Copper Queens will face hosts Brazil, South Korea and Canada in high-level international friendlies.

At WAFCON, Zambia have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria women’s national football team, as well as Malawi and Egypt. The tournament will run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco and will serve as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams earning automatic tickets.

With a blend of domestic standouts and experienced internationals, the provisional squad reflects both continuity and strategic reinforcement as Zambia target another deep continental run.

As preparations gather momentum, Zambia’s focus is firmly set on consolidating their status among Africa’s elite. With key players returning and competitive international fixtures lined up, the Copper Queens are positioning themselves strongly for both continental and global ambitions.