US-based quartet ruled out of Zambia’s tourney in China

Zambia’s Copper Queens:

Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia.

Zambia’s senior women’s national football team’s preparations for this weekend’s friendlies in China have suffered a setback, as their four America-based players have been ruled out.

Captain Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya, and Grace Chanda will miss the Yangchuan International Tournament due to additional travel restrictions.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) general secretary Reuben Kamanga confirmed that the quarter will not be available owing to additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the United States of America.

In a statement, Kamanga said acting on the advice of the United States of America Zambian mission in Washington and the two clubs for the players, the best decision was to withdraw the players from the China assignment.

“I wish to confirm that the Orlando Pride trio of Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya as well as Rachael Kundananji of Bay FC will not be available for the two international friendly matches in China. After working through the process instigated by recently introduced measures it was decided that it is in the best interest of our players to skip this assignment,” he is quoted as saying.

“They will definitely be available for future assignments as they were for the last window when we played Malawi. The technical bench has since roped in replacements to ensure that the team remains competitive.”

The Copper Queens will kick off their campaign against Thailand on April 5 2025. A win will secure them a spot in the final on April 8 against either hosts China PR or Uzbekistan.

Zambia are in China 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.

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