Bruce Mwape has unveiled the squad that will represent Zambia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Bruce Mwape has unveiled the squad that will represent Zambia at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
Zambia Women’s National Team coach, Bruce Mwape, has officially announced the 23 players who will represent Zambia at the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. With the tournament set to kick off on 20 July, the Copper Queens are gearing up for their opening Group C match against Japan.
Mwape’s squad comprises a perfect blend of experienced players and promising young talents, all led by the influential captain, Barbra Banda. After facing Japan on 22 July, the Copper Queens will take on Spain four days later before concluding their Group C campaign against Costa Rica on 31 July.
The squad, consisting of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six strikers, is set to make its debut appearance in the prestigious tournament. In preparation, the team has been stationed in Europe, where they played friendly matches against the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland. As their international camp comes to a close, they will face Germany in a friendly at the Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer in Furth on 7 July before heading to New Zealand for the World Cup.
The full squad includes Catherine Musonda (Tomiris-Turan-Kazakhstan), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), and Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Sport-Turkey) as goalkeepers. The defensive lineup features Margaret Belemu (Shanghai Shengli-China), Martha Tembo (BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa (both Green Buffaloes), Esther Banda (BUSA), Judith Soko (YASA), Mary Mulenga (Red Arrows), and Vast Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls).
In the midfield, the team includes Ireen Lungu, Hellen Chanda (both BIIK Kazygurt Shymkent-Kazakhstan), Evarine Susan Katongo (ZISD Women), Mary Wilombe, Susan Banda (both Red Arrows), and Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls). The striking department is led by Xiomara Mapepa (Elite Ladies), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows), Hellen Mubanga (Zaragoza CFF-Spain), Grace Chanda, Rachael Kundananji (both Madrid CFF-Spain), and Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli-China, Green Buffaloes).
Additionally, the standby players include Esther Siamfuko, Comfort Selemani (Elite Ladies), and Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), ready to step in if needed.
As the Zambia Women’s National Team prepares for their historic World Cup journey, football fans eagerly await their performances and hope for a successful campaign on the global stage.
