Hauptle unveils strong Zambia’s Copper Queens squad for China tournament

Nora Häuptle: Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia.

Zambia senior national women’s football team coach Nora Häuptle has named a star-studded squad for next month’s tournament in China.

America-based Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji and China-based Kabange Mupopo, Fridah Mukoma earned the call-ups for the Yongchuan International Tournament scheduled for 5 to 8 April, 2025.

Other foreign-based players include Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both based in America), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Turkey), Ireen Lungu (China), and Racheal Nachula (Israel).

Midfielder Chanda returns to the Copper Queens squad after missing games through injury, having last represented Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Zambia will face China, Uzbekistan, and Thailand while fine-tuning for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals from 5 to 26 July 2025 in Morocco.

The Copper Queens are in Group A of WAFCON alongside the hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. Indeni Roses duo Eunice Sakala (goalkeeper) and Rhoda Chileshe (midfielder) have also earned call-ups, while ZISD Women defender Jackline Chomba returns to the squad following her participation in the COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Zambia also hosted Malawi last month for friendlies winning 2-0 and then losing 3-2 to the neighbours.

Full squad for Zambia:

Goalkeepers; Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses).

Defenders; Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Jackline Chomba (ZISD Women), Blessing Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies).

Midfielders; Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel).

Strikers; Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Mupopo (Henan Jianye-China), Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China).