Zambia’s Copper Queens have arrived in Kampala ahead of Thursday’s first-leg Olympic qualifier against Uganda, with the team set to begin preparations for the crucial encounter.
The Zambia Senior Women’s National Team reached Entebbe International Airport at 02h44 after travelling from Lusaka on Sunday afternoon and connecting through Kigali, Rwanda, on their journey to Uganda.
Interim coach Charles Haalubono travelled with 17 locally based players, while eight members of the squad who play abroad are expected to join the team in Uganda.
The arrivals will bring the squad to the 25 players selected for the assignment as Zambia prepare to face the hosts in the first leg on Thursday.
The team is expected to begin preparations immediately after arriving in Kampala, with the focus turning to the opening meeting with Uganda.
The squad includes a mixture of experienced players, locally based talent and footballers competing in leagues outside Zambia.
Goalkeeper options include Hazel Nali and Annie Namonje of ZESCO Ndola Girls, together with Chishala Munfunte of Green Buffaloes.
The defensive group features Margret Belemu, who plays for Ra’anana Women’s FC in Israel, alongside Saliya Mwanza of Elite Ladies FC and Green Eagles defender Natasha Nkaka.
Racheal Nachula and Pauline Zulu are also included from Green Buffaloes and ZESCO Ndola Girls respectively. The squad’s other defenders are Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba of Hakkarigucu Spor in Turkey, as well as Margret Gondwe of Green Buffaloes Women FC.
The midfield selection contains players from several domestic clubs and includes Evarine Suzeni Katongo and Natasha Nanyangwe of Green Buffaloes Women FC. Esther Muchinga represents ZESCO Ndola Girls, while Rhodah Chileshe comes from Indeni Roses.
Ireen Lungu, who plays in Sichuan, China, is also part of the midfield group, along with Avell Chitundu of ZESCO Ndola and Zangose Zulu of ZANACO Ladies.
Zambia’s attacking options include several players with international experience. Barbra Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride, is among the strikers named for the assignment.
Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC in the United States is also included, as are Mercy Chipasula of KB Koge in Denmark and Prisca Chilufya of Angels City in Mexico.
Ivy Nambeye of Nchanga, together with ZESCO Ndola Girls forwards Charity Mubanga and Eneless Phiri, complete the striking options listed in the squad.
The Copper Queens will now turn their attention to Thursday’s first-leg meeting with Uganda as they begin their work in Kampala.
With eight foreign-based players still expected to join the travelling group, Haalubono will have the full 25-member squad available for the assignment once those players arrive.
The first leg against Uganda represents the next stage of Zambia’s Olympic qualifying campaign, with the team aiming to make a positive start away from home before the return fixture.
For now, the focus in Kampala will be on preparation, squad integration and ensuring the players are ready for Thursday’s encounter with the hosts.
