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Hauptle Names WAfCON provisional squad
DESPITE uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Copper Queens have intensified preparations, with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-member squad ahead of the tournament. With less than two weeks before kick-off, speculation continues to swirl that…
Picture: Mwebantu
DESPITE uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Copper Queens have intensified preparations, with coach Nora Häuptle naming a 29-member squad ahead of the tournament.
With less than two weeks before kick-off, speculation continues to swirl that the competition could be postponed or even cancelled. The tournament is originally scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco.
Zambia has been drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Malawi, and Egypt.
Undeterred by the uncertainty, Häuptle has assembled a strong squad and set up camp in Lusaka as preparations gather momentum.
“The Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) bound Copper Queens have set up camp in Lusaka with coach Nora Häuptle summoning 29 players for duty.
“Skipper Barbra Banda makes a return after an injury layoff while Malta-based Misozi Zulu bounces back to the Copper Queens set-up after missing out at the last WAFCON.
“Zulu was part of the 2022 WAFCON, which was a precursor for Zambia’s debut FIFA World Cup appearance,” a statement from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) read in part.
Häuptle has retained the entire 23-member COSAFA contingent and added six foreign-based players, although some players remain unavailable due to the ongoing USA–Iran conflict.
The Squad
Goalkeepers:Mufunte Chishala (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
Defenders:Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Maluba Blessings (Nchanga Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigücü – Turkey)
Midfielders:Susan Banda (Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor – Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sampa Chisanga, Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades), Grace Chanda (Club Querétaro – Mexico), Misozi Zulu (Hibernians – Malta)
Strikers:Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride – USA), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Kabanghe Mupopo (Henan WFC – China), Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC – USA)
(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 4th March, 2026)
Source: Mwebantu — Read the original article
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