Copper Queens Train For Three-Nation Friendly In Lusaka

The Copper Queens intensified their preparations for the upcoming FIFA international friendly series against Botswana and South Africa with a training session on Tuesday morning at Lusaka’s Edwin Imboela Stadium.

The three-nation tournament, set for next week’s FIFA window, will serve as crucial preparation for the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco (5–26 July).

A mix of local and foreign-based players have reported for camp, with Turkey-based defenders Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba among the first overseas arrivals. The squad also includes China-based winger Xiomara Mapepa.

South Africa will host the matches, beginning on Wednesday, 28 May, when they take on Botswana. Zambia will open their campaign against Botswana on Saturday, 31 May, before facing reigning WAFCON champions South Africa on Tuesday, 3 June.

Provisional 35-Member 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)

The Copper Queens will look to fine-tune their form ahead of the high-stakes WAFCON tournament in Morocco.