WAFCON: Nora Hauptle summons Zambia squad to start preps

The Morocco 2026 WAFCON bound Copper Queens will kick start preparations for the tournament with coach Nora Häuptle summoning 38 players for a local camp starting on Monday.

Häuptle has also drafted some foreign-based players whose leagues are on recess and summoned France based Samiah Phiri who is on the books of Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC.

The 23-year old was born in the United States of America to a Zambian father and US mother but is eligible to play for Zambia once the dual citizenship card is applied. She is expected in the country during the local camp for assessment and possibly close up the eligibility processes.

Meanwhile Häuptle has also included some under-20 players in her provisional squad but the players will first be with their age group team that is preparing for the February round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uganda.

The Copper Queens are in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt for the tournament, which will run from March 17-April. Top four teams at the WAFCON will automatically qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA World Cup.

Zambia made its historic debut at the FIFA Women World Cup in 2022 in Australia/New Zealand.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

(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 (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies),Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)

(MIDFIELDERS); Susan Banda (CekmekoyBilgidogga Spor-Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both 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 (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC-China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Evian Grand Geneve-France).

NOTE: Foreign based players whose leagues are active have been excused from the local camp.