WAFCON 2026: Zambia Call Up 38 Players, Resume Camp In Dubai Ahead Of Super Falcons Clash

WAFCON 2026: Zambia Call Up 38 Players, Resume Camp In Dubai Ahead Of Super Falcons Clash

Sampson Adedeji

Ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Zambia have released a 38-player provisional squad to begin preparations for the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Copper Queens’ technical crew announced that the players will report to a residential training camp in Dubai, where they will also participate in an invitational tournament as part of their build-up to the continental showpiece.

Zambia are drawn in Group C of the competition, where they will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Egypt and Malawi in what promises to be a highly competitive group.

The 2026 WAFCON carries significant stakes, as the top four teams at the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Zambia will be hoping to build on their growing reputation on the global stage, having made their historic debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The provisional squad includes a blend of home-based talents and foreign-based professionals plying their trade across Africa, Europe and Asia, reflecting Zambia’s depth and growing influence in women’s football.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD Goalkeepers: Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles).

Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Thelma Chellah, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Agness Musesa, Memory Nthala, Rachael Nachula, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Blessing Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC, China), Saliya Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (Zesco Ndola Girls).

Midfielders: Susan Banda (CekmekoyBilgidogga Spor, Turkey), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu, Esther Muchinga (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Natasha Nanyangwe, Evarine Katongo (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan Jiangsu, China), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades).

Strikers: Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Agness Phiri, Maweta Chilenga (both Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Penelope Mulubwa, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Kabanghe Mupopo (Wuhan FC, China), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Samiah Phiri (Thonon Evian Grand Genève, France).

Zambia’s early camping and exposure through the Dubai invitational tournament underline their ambition to challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses, including the Super Falcons, as they target a strong showing at WAFCON 2026.