Zambia has released a 38-player provisional squad as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
The Copper Queens’ technical crew confirmed that the players will report to a residential training camp in Dubai, where they will also take part in an invitational tournament designed to sharpen the team ahead of the continental showpiece.
Zambia has been drawn in Group C, where they will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons, alongside Egypt and Malawi, in what is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
The stakes at WAFCON 2026 are particularly high, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The Copper Queens will be aiming to build on their rising profile in women’s football after making a historic debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022. The provisional list reflects this ambition, featuring a mix of home-based players and foreign-based professionals competing across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
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 Évian Grand Genève, France).
Zambia’s decision to commence early preparations and gain competitive exposure in Dubai highlights their determination to challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses, including the Super Falcons, as they target a strong run at WAFCON 2026.