Zambian winger Samiah Phiri has expressed her excitement after receiving her maiden call-up to the Copper Queens local camp, as the national team intensifies preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to be hosted in Morocco this March.
Speaking to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following her inclusion in the 38-member provisional squad, the 20-year-old described the moment as a proud milestone in her young career. Phiri revealed that the warm reception from her teammates has helped her settle quickly into the national team environment.
“I am honored to be here, I am very excited. The players are very welcoming, they have been helping me with everything and being nice,” Phiri said.
Currently based in France, Phiri plies her trade with Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC in the Seconde Ligue, where she has continued to grow after spells in both Europe and the United States. The winger highlighted the contrast in playing styles, noting that the Copper Queens camp has been far more physical than what she has experienced abroad.
“Everyone is very physical, they love the game, I can tell it’s very different from France and US. I think I am adapting pretty well. In the US it’s physical but not as physical as here. I think it is another play style that I must get used to, but I think it will come very soon,” she explained.
Phiri joined Thonon Évian in July 2025 following a brief stint with FC Nantes, and her steady performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team technical bench. Her call-up comes at a crucial time as Zambia continues to broaden its talent pool ahead of major continental assignments.
Looking ahead to the WAFCON finals, the winger expressed strong belief in both her personal ambitions and the team’s objectives. Phiri says representing Zambia remains her greatest motivation and hopes to play a role in helping the Copper Queens challenge for continental glory.
“I am playing and hoping that I will be there to represent Zambia and maybe come home with the trophy. It’s an honor to be here and play for Zambia—work as hard as you can, just represent your country and honor all the time that you are called,” she said.
Zambia have been drawn in Group C at WAFCON 2026, where they will face defending champions Nigeria, Malawi, and Egypt in what promises to be a highly competitive group. The tournament, scheduled to run from 17 March to April, also serves as a qualifier for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams securing automatic qualification.
The Copper Queens will be aiming to build on their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, as they continue to cement their status as one of Africa’s fastest-rising forces in women’s football.
