Zambia Women’s National Team Coach Nora Häuptle Unveils 30-Member Local Squad for FIFA Tournament
Zambia Women’s National Team Coach Nora Häuptle Names 30-Member Squad for FIFA Friendlies Against Malawi
In preparation for the upcoming FIFA international window, Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Häuptle has unveiled a 30-member locally assembled squad. The Copper Queens will face Malawi’s Scorchers in a series of friendlies scheduled for February, as part of their build-up to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and rising stars, including the top 10 goal scorers from the Eden University Women’s Super League. Among them is ZESCO Ndola Girls’ prolific striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has been in sensational form, netting 25 goals in 23 matches this season.
Notably, the squad also includes promising young talents Mwila Mufunte and Namute Chileshe, both graduates from the U17 national team. They are joined by Copper Princesses captain Mercy Chipasula and striker Ruth Mukoma, who have also earned call-ups.
The friendlies against Malawi are a crucial part of Zambia’s preparations for WAFCON 2024, where they have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. The tournament is set to take place from July 5 to 26, 2024.
Coach Häuptle’s locally based players will enter camp from Sunday, February 16, to Friday, February 21. After this initial camp, foreign-based players will be added to the squad to strengthen the team ahead of the final preparations.
The final squad, including foreign-based players, will be unveiled next weekend ahead of the team’s final camp.
30-Member Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole (both Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Defenders:
Margaret Belemu, Elizabeth Nachivula (both Red Arrows), Tabo Miselo, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Theresa Musatila, Vast Phiri, Judith Soko (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes)
Midfielders:
Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu-China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows)
Strikers:
Maweta Chilenga, Namute Chileshe, Maylan Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Fridah Kabwe, Penelope Mulubwa, Ruth Mukoma, Fridah Mukoma (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers Queens)
The Copper Queens are determined to make a strong impression in the upcoming friendlies and carry that momentum into WAFCON 2024. With a blend of youth and experience, the team is poised to showcase their talent on the continental stage.
