Barbra Banda returns as Zambia unveil squad for WAFCON

Despite the uncertainty surrounding hosting of the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Zambia coach Nora Hauptle has unveiled the squad to represent the nation.

The Copper Queens have set up camp in Lusaka with coach Hauptle summoning 29 players for duty. Skipper Barbra Banda makes a return after an injury layoff while Malta based Misozi Zulu bounces back to the Copper Queens set-up after missing out at the last WAFCON.

Zambia’s Israel-based midfielder Evarine Katongo has been left out of the Copper Queens’ provisional squad for WAFCON due to travel challenges amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

US-based striker Racheal Kundananji is also unable to travel to Lusaka. pic.twitter.com/24tutjMhYI

— Calvin Kaumba Chikenge (@CalvinChikenge) March 4, 2026

Zulu was part of the 2022 WAFCON, which was a precursor for Zambia’s debut FIFA World Cup appearance.

Huptle has retained the 23-member COSAFA contingent in its totality and added six foreign-based players with the notable absence of players encumbered in the USA-Iran war.

Copper Queens have twin objectives

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.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD;

(GOALKEEPERS); Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls.

(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).

(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).

(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).

Barbra Banda has returned to the Zambia national team as the Copper Queens announced their 29-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The star forward makes her comeback after recovering from injury, giving Zambia a major boost ahead of the continental tournament.