Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle has unveiled a 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA Window Three-Nations Tournament set to take place in Lilongwe, Malawi from November 28 to December 2.
United States–based striker Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC headlines the squad and is expected to lead the frontline in the absence of injured skipper Barbra Banda.
The team also features a blend of experience and rising talent, with seasoned players such as Mary Wilombe, Racheal Nachula, Grace Chanda, Kabange Mupopo, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo and Susan Banda all making the cut.
Hauptle has maintained much of the core that recently secured Zambia’s qualification to the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), underscoring the team’s continuity ahead of the continental showpiece.
Promising youngsters have also been handed a chance, including Under-17 national team captain Mercy Chipasula, goalkeeper Chishala Mfunte, and defender Margaret Gondwe, who continue to rise through the ranks.
The tournament will feature Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the Copper Queens and the Scorchers both using the matches as crucial preparation for the forthcoming WAFCON finals.
FULL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Chishala Mfunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)
(DEFENDERS)
Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes), Rachael Nachula (Green Buffaloes), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Martha Tembo (Hakkarigucu, Turkey), Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu, Turkey), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Susan Banda (Cekemekoy, Turkey), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride, USA), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichun, China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
FORWARDS
Regina Chanda (Zanaco), Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City, USA), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC, USA), Penelope Mulubwa (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eneles Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Mupopo Kabange (Henan WFC, China).
By Taonga Nk’homa
