The Zambia Women’s National Team has left Algeria for Morocco to begin final preparations for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations.
The Copper Queens flew out of Algiers at 20h50 local time and are due to land in Rabat at 22h20. They will set up camp in the Moroccan capital ahead of the tournament that starts on Sunday.
The team and technical bench traveled on a chartered flight together with the Algerian women’s side. This followed a week-long training camp in Algeria where Zambia played two warm-up matches against the hosts. The first game ended in a 1-1 draw, while the second finished 1-0 in favor of Algeria.
Head coach Nora Häuptle is traveling with the full squad that was called up, with the exception of Fridah Mukoma who is expected to link up with the team in Morocco.
Zambia have been drawn in Group C with Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi. The Copper Queens will open their campaign against Egypt on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 18h00.
SQUAD THAT TRAVELED TO MOROCCO
GOALKEEPERS
Chishala Mfunte – Green Buffaloes
Catherine Musonda – Red Arrows
Hazel Nali – Zesco Ndola Girls
DEFENDERS
Margaret Belemu – Red Arrows
Margaret Gondwe – Green Buffaloes
Rachael Nachula – Green Buffaloes
Blessing Maluba – Nchanga Queens
Siomala Mapepa – Altaraji Club, Saudi Arabia
Saliya Mwanza – Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey
Lushomo Mweemba – Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey
Martha Tembo – Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey
MIDFIELDERS
Susan Banda – Red Arrows
Grace Chanda – Queretaro, Mexico
Hellen Chanda – Eastern Flames, Saudi Arabia
Rhodah Chileshe – Indeni
Avell Chitundu – Zesco Ndola Girls
Evarine Katongo – Ra’anana Women’s FC, Israel
Ireen Lungu – Sichuan, China
STRIKERS
Barbra Banda – Orlando Pride, USA
Prisca Chilufya – Angel City, USA
Mercy Chipasula – Zesco Ndola Girls
Eneless Phiri – Zesco Ndola Girls
Rachael Kundananji – Bay FC
Kabange Mupopo – Liaoning Shenbel Hefeng, China
Ochuma Oseke – Quanzhou Naan