Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle has named a 29-player squad for next month’s FIFA Window Four Nations Tournament in Ndola as preparations continue for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The tournament, scheduled to take place from 1-9 June, will see the Copper Queens host Kenya, Zimbabwe and Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Häuptle has selected a squad that combines established international stars with standout performers from the domestic league and several younger players who have been promoted to the senior set-up.
Among the headline names are captain Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji and Prisca Chilufya, all of whom are based in the United States. Banda plays for Orlando Pride, while Kundananji represents Bay FC and Chilufya is on the books of Angel City. The trio form part of an experienced group expected to spearhead Zambia’s campaign during the international window.
Mexico-based midfielder Grace Chanda has also been included in the squad, while defenders Lushomo Mweemba and Martha Tembo, who play in Turkey, have earned call-ups.
Häuptle has selected 11 foreign-based players for the tournament. The number could increase to 14, with three additional players currently on standby as they complete medical and administrative procedures.
The squad also includes several players who impressed during the recently concluded Zambian Premier League season. Zesco Ndola Girls winger Eneless Phiri returns to the national team after missing Zambia’s participation in the FIFA Series tournament earlier this year. Her club teammate Avell Chitundu is also back in the fold.
Local-based players have already assembled in Ndola ahead of the competition, while the foreign-based contingent is expected to join the camp from 1 June when the FIFA international window officially opens.
The upcoming tournament forms a key part of Zambia’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 15 August.
The Four Nations Tournament follows Zambia’s involvement in the FIFA Series competition in April. During that event, the Copper Queens faced Canada, Brazil and South Korea as part of their efforts to build towards the continental showpiece.
Häuptle and her coaching staff are expected to use the matches against Kenya, Zimbabwe and Lesotho to further assess the squad and fine-tune preparations ahead of WAFCON.
Both Zambia and Kenya have already secured qualification for the continental tournament, making their meeting in Ndola a potentially valuable test before the competition begins in Morocco later this year.
The selected squad features four goalkeepers, ten defenders, six midfielders and nine strikers, reflecting the depth available to the Copper Queens as they continue their build-up to one of the biggest tournaments on the African women’s football calendar.
With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, Zambia will hope the Four Nations Tournament provides the ideal platform to sharpen their form and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the challenge that awaits in Morocco.
