The Zambia U20 Women’s National Team has taken a major step toward its dream of reaching the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, as head coach Charity Nthala unveiled a 34-member provisional squad for the second-round qualifiers against Burundi scheduled for September 19 and 27.
Nthala, who recently guided the Copper Princesses to the COSAFA U20 Women’s Championship crown, has kept the core of her championship-winning team intact, signaling continuity and stability as Zambia aims for its first-ever appearance on the global stage.
Continuity Key for Zambia
Coach Nthala emphasized the importance of consistency in squad selection. The majority of the players who impressed at the COSAFA Championship have retained their places, including standout performers in midfield and attack.
The team has already regrouped in Lusaka for the first phase of preparations, where focus will be on tactical sharpness, fitness, and mental readiness ahead of the double-header against Burundi.
The Road to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup
The qualifying path for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup is not for the faint-hearted. Zambia must first overcome Burundi in the second round. If successful, the Copper Princesses will face either Uganda or Namibia in the third round.
Beyond that, the fourth and final round awaits, where the winner of Togo vs Tunisia will battle the victor of Ghana vs Eswatini/South Africa for the much-coveted ticket to the global extravaganza.
For a nation that has been steadily rising in women’s football, reaching the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup would be a historic milestone and a fitting reward for years of investment in grassroots development.
Provisional Squad Breakdown
🧤 Goalkeepers
Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes)
Mary Nyangu (YASA)
Loveness Chingwele (Muza)
Abigail Chinguse (Konkola Blades)
🛡️ Defenders
Esther Musialela, Justina Zulu (Zanaco Ladies)
Margaret Gondwe, Jessy Zulu (Green Buffaloes)
Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens)
Luty Kamanga (YASA)
Fridah Mbao (Pataaki Queens)
Eunice Mutonyi (Police Doves)
Kampamba Mulenga (Nchanga Queens)
Mwaziona Sakala (Red Arrows)
🎯 Midfielders
Bupe Banda, Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows)
Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes)
Pumulo Lubasi, Blessings Zangose (Zanaco Ladies)
Eunice Bwalya, Harriet Matipa (YASA)
Gift Chilwizhi (Kamfinsa)
Naomi Banda (Kwacha Queens)
Brenda Mwewa, Barbra Chewe, Tricia Mabamba (Nchanga Rangers Queens)
Ireen Mweemba (Marvelous Girls)
⚡ Strikers
Jessy Bwalya (Nkwazi Queens)
Angela Galufu (Kamfinsa)
Mary Mbewe (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace Academy)
Chisola Ng’andu (Konkola Blades Queens)
Edith Phiri (Indeni Roses Queens)
Carol Nsondo (Choma Warriors)
What’s at Stake?
For Zambia, this campaign represents more than just qualification. It’s a chance to cement the country’s reputation in women’s football after recent breakthroughs at senior level, including appearances at the Olympics and FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Coach Nthala’s youthful side carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its next generation shine on the biggest stage. With resilience, teamwork, and the tactical discipline that won them COSAFA glory, Zambia will be confident of overcoming Burundi and pushing deeper into the qualifiers.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the 34-member provisional squad marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the Zambia U20 Women’s National Team. As the Copper Princesses gear up for their two-legged showdown with Burundi, the dream of a maiden FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup appearance feels closer than ever.
All eyes will now be on Lusaka as preparations intensify ahead of September’s crucial fixtures.
