The 24-Member Squad for WAFCON 2024 of Copper Queens are ready for lift-off! Switzerland’s Nora Häuptle has trimmed the FAZ list, announcing a polished 24-woman squad for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set for July 5–26 in Morocco.
This final squad announcement follows a strong preparatory phase, including recent friendlies in South Africa and a warm-up tour in China. It’s clear Häuptle is strategizing with precision: she’s brought in key foreign-based stars like skipper Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya, ensuring elite international quality in the lineup.
Her aim? Forge a unit capable of top performance in a challenging Group A, which sees Zambia pitted against hosts Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal. Häuptle’s message is resoundingly clear: “There is no elevator to success” – success comes step by step, and her carefully chosen squad is that measured first step.
This marks Häuptle’s first official assignment at a WAFCON tournament since taking over in January 2025. With bronze in 2022 and World Cup qualification already under their belt, expectations are sky-high—but grounded in the realism of steady progression.
What’s next?
- Squad in Focus: Powerful attackers like Banda, Kundananji, Mupopo, and Mukoma headline the frontline.
- Midfield/Magic: Combo of crafty creatives and workhorses—Chanda, Chilufya, Lungu, Mapepa.
- Defence & Goal: A blend of dependability (Tembo, Mweemba, Belemu) and precision between the sticks.
Here’s the complete 24-player squad coach Nora Häuptle announced on 19 June 2025 for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco (July 5–26):
Goalkeepers
- Mwila Chishala Mufunte
- Catherine Musonda
- Eunice Sakala
Defenders
- Margaret Belemu
- Jackline Chomba
- Blessing Mapalo Maluba
- Matildah Mukunda
- Lushomo Mweemba
- Martha Tembo
- Esther Siamfuko
- Judith Soko
- Pauline Zulu
Midfielders
- Grace Chanda
- Prisca Chilufya
- Rhoda Chileshe
- Evarine Susan Katongo
- Natasha Nanyangwe
- Mercy Chipasula
- Ireen Lungu
- Racheal Nachula
Strikers
- Barbra Banda
- Racheal Kundananji
- Kabange Mupopo
- Fridah Mukoma
This squad blends seasoned internationals with exciting youth talent, ready to compete at the highest level. Let me know if you’d like individual player profiles, analysis of key matchups, or tailored captions for your Zedsoccer and social feeds!
