Copper Queens Coach Nora Häuptle is hopeful that the foreign based players that are unable to make it on time for camp due to travel complications will be available for the final stage of preparations for the Morocco 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Häuptle has drafted a 38-member list but may have to do without some of the players who are caught up in the global chaos caused by the USA-Iran war that has left some airports closed.
Among those doubtful are Evarine Katongo (Ra’anan WFC-Israel), Ireene Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Altaraji Club-China), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames-Saudi Arabia), Ruth Mukoma (Shanghai WFC-China) and Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC) whose travel is tied to precautionary security measures.
Others roped in are Eunice Sakala and Chabwe Ngosa both of Indeni Roses while Mary Wilombe could join subject to medical clearance. France based Samiah Phiri is also part of the provisional squad subject to her naturalization process being completed.
The Copper Queens have commenced preparations during the current FIFA Window, which runs from February 24-March 7. The Copper Queens have twin objectives of preparing for the WAFCON and the FIFA Series Tournament in Brazil, which takes place from April 11-18.
For the WAFCON Zambia is in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt. CAF has set March 17-April 3 as the period for the WAFCON in Morocco.
The 2026 WAFCON will serve as a qualifier for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women World Cup with top four teams grabbing their tickets to the biggest women football showpiece. Some of the foreign-based players caught up in a travel predicament given the heightening war in the Middle East will join the fray once the coast is clear.
For the FIFA Series Zambia will play hosts Brazil, South Korea and Canada.
The FIFA Series is a biennial invitational football tournament promoted by FIFA that features international friendlies between national teams from different confederations.
WAFCON 38-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)
(DEFENDERS)
Magaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigücü-Turkey), Xiomara Mapepa (Altaraji Club-China)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor-Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades), Grace Chanda (Club Querétaro-Mexico), Misozi Zulu (Hibernians-Malta), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames-Saudi Arabia), Evarine Katongo (Raanan WFC-Israel), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
(STRIKERS)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Kabanghe Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC-USA), Ruth Mukoma (Shanghai WFC-China), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Samiah Phiri (Evian Thonon-France), Chabwe Ngosa (Indeni Roses)