Copper Queens head coach Nora Elizabeth Häuptle has named her final 26-member squad for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with ZESCO Ndola Girls forward Eneless Phiri and Green Buffaloes defender Margaret Gondwe earning places in the travelling party.
The squad was announced on Monday at Football House by assistant coach Charles Haalubono, who spoke on behalf of Häuptle ahead of the team’s departure for Algeria.
Fresh Faces Earn Their Chance
In-form striker Eneless Phiri has been rewarded for her impressive performances with ZESCO Ndola Girls, while promising young defender Margaret Gondwe has also made the final squad.
Experienced duo Susan Banda and Hellen Banda have retained their places, while Natasha Nanyangwe is among the notable omissions from the final list.
Barbra Banda Leads Experienced Squad
Captain Barbra Banda will once again lead the Copper Queens as Zambia targets another successful continental campaign.
She is joined by several experienced internationals, including:
- Rachel Kundananji
- Grace Chanda
- Ireen Lungu
- Lushomo Mweemba
- Kabange Mupopo
- Hazel Nali
The experienced core is expected to play a key role as Zambia looks to improve on its bronze-medal finish at the 2022 WAFCON.
Algeria Camp Awaits
The Copper Queens will depart for Algeria on Tuesday evening as they enter the final phase of preparations for the tournament.
The team is scheduled to leave at 21:00 via Qatar and is expected to arrive in North Africa on Wednesday, where they will hold a two-week training camp.
During the camp, Zambia will play two international friendly matches against Algeria on 19 July and 22 July before both teams travel together to Morocco on a chartered flight.
Group C Challenge
At WAFCON, Zambia has been drawn into a difficult Group C alongside:
- 🇿🇲 Zambia
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria
- 🇪🇬 Egypt
- 🇲🇼 Malawi
The tournament will run from 26 July to 16 August 2026 in Morocco.
Besides competing for the continental title, the Copper Queens will also be chasing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams at WAFCON securing automatic qualification.
Conclusion
With the final squad now confirmed, the Copper Queens can fully focus on their preparations ahead of another important continental campaign.
Blending experienced stars with exciting young talent, Zambia will head to Morocco aiming to challenge for the WAFCON title and secure another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Zambia’s 26-Member WAFCON Squad
(GOALKEEPERS)
Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
(DEFENDERS)
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Rachael Nachula (both Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Siomala Mapepa (Altaraji Club-Saudi Arabia), Saliya Mwanza, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Susan Banda (Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Queretaro-Mexico), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames-Saudi Arabia), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Ra’anana Women’s FC-Israel), Ireen Lungu (Sichua-China)
(STRIKERS)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan-China), Kabange Mupopo (Liaoning Shenbel Hefeng-China), Ochuma Oseke (Quanzhou Naan-China
