The Zambia women’s national football team has left for South Africa to participate in the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025.

The Copper Queens departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard a chartered flight at exactly 09:30 hours. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has chartered a plane for the team bound for Polokwane.

Coach Nora Häuptle has named her 23-member final squad for the COSAFA Women’s Championship, which kicks off tomorrow, February 18, and runs until March 1, 2026.

Zambia were crowned champions in 2024

Zambia, who are the defending champions, have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini in the 2026 COSAFA Senior Women’s Championship.

Häuptle will use the COSAFA Championship as part of the buildup to the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia will play their first match on Thursday, February 19, against Botswana at 15:00 at Seshego Stadium before facing Zimbabwe three days later.

The Copper Queens’ final Group B match will be against Eswatini on February 24 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The top teams in each pool, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semi-finals. Zambia were crowned champions in 2022 and 2024 and finished as runners-up in 2023.

Here’s the full team traveling to South Africa:

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

DEFENDERS; Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls).

MIDFIELDERS; Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades).

STRIKERS; 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).

Zambia Women Depart for COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025 in South Africa

The Zambia women’s national football team has officially departed for South Africa to participate in the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025.

The Copper Queens left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard a chartered flight at exactly 09:30 hours. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) arranged a private charter for the squad bound for Polokwane, where the regional tournament will be staged.

Coach Nora Häuptle has named a strong 23-member squad as Zambia aim to defend their regional crown.

Zambia Women Preparing to Defend COSAFA Title

The COSAFA Women’s Championship kicks off on February 18, 2026, and will run until March 1, 2026.

Zambia enter the tournament as defending champions after lifting the trophy in 2024. The Copper Queens have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in Southern African women’s football in recent years.

Zambia’s Recent COSAFA Record:

• 🏆 Champions – 2022

• 🥈 Runners-up – 2023

• 🏆 Champions – 2024

Their consistency has made them one of the favourites heading into this year’s competition.

Zambia Drawn in Group B

Zambia have been placed in Group B alongside:

• Zimbabwe

• Botswana

• Eswatini

The group stage will determine which teams advance to the knockout rounds.

Tournament Format:

• Top team from each group qualifies for the semi-finals

• Best runner-up across groups also advances

Zambia Women’s Group Stage Fixtures

The Copper Queens will begin their campaign on Thursday, February 19.

Match Schedule:

• Zambia vs Botswana – February 19, 15:00
  📍 Seshego Stadium

• Zambia vs Zimbabwe – February 22

• Zambia vs Eswatini – February 24
  📍 Peter Mokaba Stadium

Coach Häuptle is expected to rotate her squad carefully as the tournament will also serve as preparation for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Full Zambia Women’s Squad for COSAFA 2025

Coach Nora Häuptle selected a balanced squad featuring experience and youth.

🧤 Goalkeepers

• Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes)

• Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)

• Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)

🛡️ Defenders

• Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)

• Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)

• Agness Musesa (Green Buffaloes)

• Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)

• Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)

• Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens)

• Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)

• Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)

🎯 Midfielders

• Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey)

• Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses)

• Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls)

• Sampa Chisanga (Konkola Blades)

• Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)

⚽ Strikers

• Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)

• Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)

• Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes)

• Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police)

• Kabanghe Mupopo (Henan WFC – China)

• Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls)

COSAFA Championship Key for WAFCON Preparation

For Zambia, this tournament is more than just a regional competition. It forms a critical part of their preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Coach Häuptle will be keen to:

• Assess squad depth

• Improve tactical cohesion

• Maintain winning momentum

• Strengthen defensive organization

With a strong squad and recent winning pedigree, the Copper Queens will be confident of retaining their crown.