WAFCON: Copper Queens to face South Africa and Botswana in friendly matches

Photo Credit - Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Zambia women’s national team coach Nora Häuptle has named a 35-member provisional squad to enter camp ahead of the two high-profile friendlies.

The Copper Queens will face Botswana and South Africa in two FIFA international friendly matches as part of preparations for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be held in Morocco from July 5–26, 2025.

The FIFA Women’s International Match Window will run from 26 May to 3 June 2025, during which the Copper Queens will take on reigning African champions South Africa on 31 May, followed by a clash with Botswana on 3 June. Both fixtures will be hosted in South Africa.

Among the key highlights in coach Hauptles’ squad is the return of goalkeeper Leticia Lungu, who makes her comeback after a one-year absence. Elite Ladies’ goalkeeper Margaret Phiri and Green Buffaloes defender Margaret Gondwe have received their first senior national team call-ups.

They are joined by Choma Warriors defender Josephine Lubinda and Indeni Roses captain Zamiwe Mukokomena, who also make their return to the fold.

The squad has also been bolstered by the Red Arrows duo of Mary Wilombe and Mary Mambwe, who have been recalled to the team. Zambia is in Group A of the WAFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and DR Congo. The 2024 edition of the tournament will be held in 2025 due to the revised CAF calendar.

35-PLAYER PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Margaret Phiri (The Elite Ladies), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses).

DEFENDERS: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses), Matildah Mukunda (The Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies).

MIDFIELDERS: Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Maweta Chilenga, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe, Mary Mambwe (both Red Arrows).

STRIKERS: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls).