Representation: Zambia in women’s association football.
Nickname: Copper Queens.
Key Milestones:
- Founded as an official national team in 1983, among Africa’s earliest.
- Made historic debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the first landlocked African nation to qualify for a senior World Cup (men’s or women’s).
- Qualified for its first Olympic Games at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Team Identity:
- Kit: Traditional colors are green jersey, green shorts, and green socks. Umbro became the kit sponsor in 2003.
- Notable Achievement: At the 2023 World Cup, Barbra Banda scored the team’s first-ever World Cup goal, which was also the 1,000th goal in Women’s World Cup history.
Historical Competitive Record:
- Early Days: Played first World Cup qualifiers in 1994. After a hiatus, returned to FIFA-sanctioned matches in the early 2000s.
- COSAFA Cup: Frequent participant, often finishing in top positions (e.g., 3rd place in 2002 and 2006).
- Olympic Qualification: Secured a historic berth to the 2020 Olympics by defeating Cameroon. Their debut match featured a record 3-10 loss to the Netherlands.
- World Cup 2023 Performance: Placed third in Group C (Spain, Japan, Costa Rica), earning a landmark 3-1 victory against Costa Rica.
FIFA Ranking Trajectory (Selected Years):
- 2003: 106th
- 2006: 126th
- 2010: 122nd
- 2012: 126th (19th in CAF)
- Note: Rankings fluctuated significantly through the 2000s and 2010s.
Historical Management:
- Coaches have included Cephias Katongo (2004), George Chikokola (2006), and Enala Phiri-Simbeye (early 2010s).
Related Team:
- Homeless World Cup: Zambia’s representatives won the championship in 2008 in Melbourne, Australia, with a dominant tournament performance.
