WAFCON: Zambia will leave no stone unturned to win title

Zambia Women’s Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba says the Copper Queens will be adequately prepared ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kickoff in Morocco.

Katoba said the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) will leave no stone unturned to ensure the team gets the best possible preparation before jetting off to Morocco.

Speaking when she addressed the players at the MET Sports Zambia Sports Complex on Wednesday, Katoba assured the squad of solid preparations that will give them confidence heading into the tournament.

She urged the players to take the locally organised camp seriously as it marks the start of the entire WAFCON build-up.

‘We need to go and get it’

“We need to go and get it. So, it all starts from this particular activity of preparation and we are behind you; we are doing everything possible that needs to be done for your preparations to be somewhere; if not 100 percent, at least 90 or 98 percent. We will be with you all the way,” said Katoba.

Katoba further urged the girls to adopt a winning mentality as they head into the tournament under their new motto, “Copper to Gold.”

Meanwhile, acting Deputy FAZ General Secretary Iva Lengwe expressed confidence that the WAFCON preparations lined up will put the team in good shape before the tournament kicks off.

And Copper Queens defender Racheal Nachula has remained positive despite Zambia being drawn in a tough group with Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi and is hopeful of progressing.

Chipasula looking forward to another WAFCON title

Nachula said the team will not allow another defeat at the hands of Nigeria, who eliminated them at the last WAFCON. She said there’s need for more hard work if the Copper Queens are to overcome the West African side.

“Yes, the group is very tough, but we are ready and looking forward to facing Nigeria. Last time they won against us, but this time we are going to work extra hard and we are going to beat them,” said Nachula.

Nachula said the blend of experienced players and new call-ups will work to the team’s advantage. She noted while senior players bring experience, the new ones have added what she described as “fresh legs.”

Meanwhile, playmaker Mercy Chipasula said she is looking forward to adding another World Cup appearance to her career after featuring at the global stage at Under-17 level.

“It is my target to make it to the World Cup at senior level. To find myself here is because of hard work. I have been at Under-20 and now need to push myself to face bigger teams so that I gain more experience,” said Chipasula.

Zambia coach Nora Häuptle has already summoned 38 players including foreign based players whose leagues are on recess for a two-week local camp. Zambia have been placed in Group C alongside champions Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt.

Top four teams at the WAFCON will automatically qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA World Cup. Zambia made its historic debut at the FIFA Women World Cup in 2022 in Australia/New Zealand.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS); Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles).

(DEFENDERS); Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls).

(MIDFIELDERS); Susan Banda (CekmekoyBilgidogga Spor-Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu-China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades).

(STRIKERS); Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC-China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Evian Grand Geneve-France).