FIFAWAFCQ: Hazel Nali returns as Häuptle summons Zambia squad for Namibia clash

Zambia women’s national team coach Nora Häuptle has named a 42-member provisional squad for the back-to-back Morocco 2026 FIFA Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia.

Häuptle has recalled fit-again Zesco Ndola Girls shot-stopper Hazel Nali and Nchanga Queens goalie Agness Fabiola Banda. Red-hot Zesco Ndola girls forward Eneles Phiri and Kamfinsa Police speedster Mercy Chipasula have made the squad amongst some notables.

Israel based Rachael Nachula is part of the local squad as she is currently in the country. Under-20 starlets Chishala Mufunte and Margaret Gondwe have been roped in, but will join after their weekend assignment in the FIFA World Cup home match against Burundi in Ndola.

Zambia will host Namibia four days later in the final leg

Foreign based players will join camp in the final stages of the preparations when the FIFA window opens on October 20. The October 22 away match to Namibia will be played at Dobsonville Stadium in South Africa, as Namibia currently has no FIFA approved stadium.

Zambia will host Namibia four days later in the final leg at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Winner over two legs will qualify to the Morocco 2026 FIFA Women Africa Cup of Nations which takes place in March and will be a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women World Cup.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD;

(GOALKEEPERS); Agness Banda (Nchanga Queens), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Ng’ambo Musole, Mufunte Chishala (both Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali, Annie Namoonje (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses).

(DEFENDERS); Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Esther Muchinga, Judith Soko (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Esther Siamfuko, Memory Nthala, Margaret Gondwe (all Green Buffaloes), Justina Zulu, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies).

(MIDFIELDERS); Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo, Hellen Chanda, Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Mary Mambwe, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades Queens).

(ATTACKERS); Chabwe Ngosa (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula, Mwangala Namakau (both Kamfinsa Police), Penelope Mulubwa, Fridah Kabwe, Mary Mbewe (all Zesco Ndola Girls), Medrine Lukhelo (Trident Queens), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Rachael Moono (Green Eagles), Maylan Mulenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Ruth Ngoma (Zanaco Ladies).

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