Zambia assistant coach Charles Haalubono has dismissed concerns over the absence of head coach Nora Häuptle as the Copper Queens intensify preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), unveiling a 26-member squad ahead of their departure for Algeria.
Haalubono announced the squad on behalf of Häuptle, who, according to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), will join the team in Algeria for their pre-tournament training camp before the competition gets underway in Morocco.
Speaking after naming the squad, Haalubono insisted Häuptle’s delayed arrival has not disrupted preparations, stressing that the technical bench has continued implementing the Swiss coach’s plans.
“We are always together with her when she’s in Zambia. She has set up the plan on how we are supposed to work, and most of the time when she’s here, we plan together,” Haalubono said.
“We implement the exercises together, technical and tactical. I don’t see any gap, and we are working hand in hand. I don’t think there is a problem there.”
The Copper Queens will fine-tune their preparations with two international friendly matches against Algeria on July 19 and July 21 before heading to Morocco for the continental tournament.
Captain Barbra Banda headlines the squad alongside Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji, while promising youngsters Mercy Chipasula, Fridah Mukoma and Eneless Phiri have also earned places in the final travelling party.
Defender Ochumba Oseke Lubanji and midfielder Susan Banda return to the national team setup, while Natasha Nanyangwe, who featured prominently during Zambia’s memorable 2022 WAFCON campaign, misses out.
Zambia have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and regional rivals Malawi.
The Copper Queens open their campaign against Egypt on July 28 before facing Nigeria on August 1. They will conclude the group stage against Malawi on August 5.
The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Zambia’s WAFCON Squad
Goalkeepers: Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls).
Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Rachael Nachula (Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Siomala Mapepa (Altaraji Club, Saudi Arabia), Saliya Mwanza, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey).
Midfielders: Susan Banda (Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Querétaro, Mexico), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames, Saudi Arabia), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Ra’anana Women’s FC, Israel), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan, China).
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC, USA), Mercy Chipasula (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eneless Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC, USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan, China), Kabange Mupopo (Liaoning Shenbei Hefeng, China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Quanzhou Naan, China).
