Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team coach Florence Mwila has named a 34-member provisional squad ahead of the crucial back-to-back third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda, as the Junior Copper Queens intensify preparations for a historic breakthrough.
Squad Blends Experience and Youth
Mwila has injected fresh energy into the squad by including several standout players from the Zambia U17 Women’s team that featured at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, a move aimed at increasing dynamism, tactical flexibility, and competitive depth.
The team will enter camp on Monday, with preparations focused on overcoming Uganda in what is the penultimate qualification stage for the Poland 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Away Test First for Junior Copper Queens
Zambia will first travel to Uganda on February 7 before hosting the return leg a week later at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with a place in the final qualification round at stake.
Victory over Uganda would move Zambia one step closer to becoming one of four African representatives at the 24-team global tournament, scheduled to run from 5 to 27 September 2026 in Poland.
Chasing a Historic First Appearance
The Junior Copper Queens are targeting their maiden FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup appearance, following the success of both the senior Copper Queens and the U17 Women’s team, who have already represented Zambia on the world stage.
This campaign represents a major opportunity for Zambia’s youth development system to continue its upward trajectory and cement the country’s growing status in women’s football.
Full Provisional Squad Announced
Coach Mwila’s squad features players drawn from top local clubs, reflecting a strong domestic base and continuity in youth progression.
Goalkeepers:
Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Mary Nyangu (YASA Queens), Harriet Tembo (Zanaco Ladies), Loveness Chingwele (MUZA Queens)
Defenders:
Esther Musialela (Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Fridah Mbao (Pataaki Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Jessy Zulu (Green Buffaloes), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles), Kampamba Mulenga (Nchanga Queens), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro), Precious Mwape (Luyando Foundation)
Midfielders:
Bupe Banda, Masela Sekeseke, Beatrice Njobvu (all Red Arrows), Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Pumulo Lubasi, Blessings Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Gift Chilwishi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Tricia Mabamba, Mapalo Maluba (both Nchanga Queens)
Strikers:
Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Beauty Phiri (MUZA Queens), Mary Mukupa (Red Arrows), Sarah Nkandu (Radar Queens), Edith Phiri (Indeni Roses), Victoria Mbali (Young Green Buffaloes), Agness Musele (Trident), Theresa Nayame (Kansanshi Queens), Sharon Siakaloba (Pemba Queens)
Conclusion
With qualification momentum building across all levels of women’s football, Zambia’s U20 side now carries the hopes of the nation as they aim to join the senior and U17 teams on the global stage. The upcoming double-header against Uganda could mark a defining chapter in the Junior Copper Queens’ journey.
