Preparation for WAFCON 2024
The friendlies against Malawi are crucial for the Copper Queens as they prepare for the 2024 WAFCON, where they are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. The tournament runs from July 5-26, and these matches will help Häuptle fine-tune her squad ahead of the continental showdown.
Foreign-Based Players to Join Later
While the current squad is composed of local players, foreign-based stars will be added to strengthen the team ahead of the final camp next weekend. This blend of local and international talent ensures the Copper Queens are well-prepared for both the friendlies and WAFCON.
30-Member Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers
- Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes)
- Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes)
- Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
- Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Defenders
- Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
- Elizabeth Nachivula (Red Arrows)
- Tabo Miselo (Zanaco Ladies)
- Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
- Theresa Musatila (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)
- Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)
Midfielders
- Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)
- Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Marjory Mulenga (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
- Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)
- Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu, China)
- Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows)
- Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
Strikers
- Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)
- Namute Chileshe (Green Buffaloes)
- Maylan Mulenga (Green Buffaloes)
- Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)
- Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Ruth Mukoma (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Fridah Mukoma (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
- Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers Queens)
What’s Next?
The local squad will be in camp from Sunday, February 16, to Friday, February 21. After this, the final squad, including foreign-based players, will be unveiled for the final camp ahead of the friendlies.
Nora Häuptle’s selection of 30 local players highlights the depth of talent in Zambian women’s football. With a mix of experienced stars and rising talents, the Copper Queens are poised to make a strong statement in their upcoming friendlies and beyond.
Stay tuned to Bola Yapa Zed for more updates on the Copper Queens’ journey to WAFCON 2024!
