The Zambia women’s national football team has officially departed for South Africa to compete in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The Copper Queens left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard a chartered flight at exactly 09:30 hours, with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) arranging transport for the team to Polokwane.
Head coach Nora Häuptle has named her final 23-member squad for the regional tournament, which begins tomorrow, February 18, and concludes on March 1, 2026.
As the defending champions, Zambia will look to retain their title. They have been drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini. Häuptle views the championship as a crucial part of the team’s preparation for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Zambia will kick off their campaign on Thursday, February 19, against Botswana at 15:00 at Seshego Stadium. They will then face Zimbabwe three days later, with their final group match against Eswatini scheduled for February 24 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. The top team from each group, along with the best runner-up, will progress to the semi-finals.
The Copper Queens are the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2024, and finished as runners-up in 2023.
The traveling squad is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS:
- Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes)
- Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
- Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
DEFENDERS:
- Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)
- Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)
- Agness Musesa (Green Buffaloes)
- Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes)
- Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)
- Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens)
- Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)
- Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)
MIDFIELDERS:
- Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey)
- Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses)
- Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls)
- Sampa Chisanga (Konkola Blades)
- Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)
STRIKERS:
- Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies)
- Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes)
- Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes)
- Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police)
- Kabanghe Mupopo (Henan WFC – China)
- Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls)
