WAFCON 2026: Zambia sends a strong message to Super Falcons

The Zambian women’s national team, the Copper Queens, have announced a 38-player provisional squad as preparations begin in earnest for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco.

By organising an early training camp and competitive fixtures in Dubai, Zambia has underlined its ambition to challenge Africa’s elite, including Group C rivals Nigeria’s Super Falcons, as it targets a deep run at WAFCON and a return to the World Cup stage.

Zambia’s coaching staff confirmed that the selected players will assemble for a residential training camp in Dubai, where the team will also participate in an invitational tournament. The camp is expected to provide vital match sharpness and tactical cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece.

The Copper Queens have been drawn into a challenging Group C, where they will face African champions Nigeria, alongside Egypt and Malawi.

The group is widely regarded as one of the toughest at the tournament.

The 2026 WAFCON carries added significance, as the top four teams will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Zambia will be keen to build on their historic debut at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, also co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, as they continue to raise their profile on the global stage.

The provisional squad reflects Zambia’s growing depth in women’s football, featuring a strong mix of home-based players and professionals plying their trade across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Goalkeepers:

Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles)

Defenders:

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC, China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Midfielders:

Susan Banda (Cekmekoy Bilgidogga Spor, Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (Zesco Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu, China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades)

Strikers:

Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC, China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Evian Grand Genève, France)