The Zambia senior women’s national team will begin their FIFA Series campaign with a fixture against Canada on Saturday in Cuiabá, Brazil, marking the first ever meeting between the two sides.
The match, set to take place at Arena Pantanal, forms part of Zambia’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). It pits the Copper Queens, ranked 66th in the world, against a Canada side currently sitting ninth in the global standings.
Assistant coach Charles Haalubono will take charge of the Zambian team for the encounter, overseeing a squad that combines emerging young talent with seasoned internationals. The FIFA Series tournament is being used as a platform to integrate players who recently featured at the FIFA U17 World Cup, alongside experienced campaigners with appearances at senior global competitions.
Among the more experienced players available to Haalubono are Margaret Belemu, Catherine Musonda, Agness Musesa, Susan Banda and Hazel Nali, all of whom were part of Zambia’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the nation’s first appearance at the tournament.
However, the team has had to contend with logistical challenges affecting several key players. Captain Barbra Banda, along with Prisca Chilufya, Grace Chanda, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba and Irene Lungu, arrived late due to travel delays and may feature only in limited roles.
The fixture also provides an opportunity for a number of younger players to stake their claim at senior level. Mercy Chipasula, Blessings Maluba and Chishala Mufunte are among those who have already gained experience at youth World Cups, while Saliya Mwanza, Margaret Gondwe and Agness Phiri have also earned places in the squad.
Canada, meanwhile, arrive with a squad shaped by continuity. Head coach Casey Stoney has retained 18 players who were involved in the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, signalling a degree of stability within the group.
A notable return for Canada is that of defender Kadeisha Buchanan, who rejoins the squad for the first time since October 2024 following a long-term injury. Buchanan brings significant experience, having earned more than 150 international caps.
Several other players also return after injury absences, including goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, defender Jayde Riviere and forward Olivia Smith. Canada’s goalkeeping options for the series include Melissa Dagenais, D’Angelo and Kailen Sheridan.
The defensive unit features a number of players based at top clubs across Europe and North America, including Buchanan, Sydney Collins, Brooklyn Courtnall, Vanessa Gilles, Ashley Lawrence, Riviere, Jade Rose and Janine Sonis.
Following the match against Canada, Zambia will continue their FIFA Series campaign with fixtures against Brazil on Tuesday and Korea the following Saturday, as they continue preparations ahead of WAFCON.
