Copper Queens Head to Morocco for Pre-WAFCON Camp as Atlas Lionesses Gear Up for The Clash

With just over two weeks to go before the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off, Zambia’s Copper Queens have ramped up their preparations by naming a final 24-member squad and confirming a 10-day international training camp in Morocco.

Head coach Nora Häuptle has assembled a balanced mix of experienced internationals and exciting emerging talent to represent Zambia at the tournament, scheduled to run from July 5 to 26, 2025. The team began its local camp today in Lusaka, with plans to relocate to Morocco on June 24 for the final phase of preparations.

Key foreign-based players, including captain Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and Grace Chanda, who all ply their trade in the USA, are expected to join the squad in Morocco after completing their respective club obligations this weekend.

Zambia has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo. The Copper Queens will open their campaign on July 5 with a blockbuster clash against the Atlas Lionesses at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. They will then face Senegal on July 9 and DR Congo on July 12, with both matches scheduled at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

Zambia’s 24-Member Squad Includes:

• Goalkeepers: Mwila Mufunte, Ngambo Musole (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)
• Defenders: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu Spor – Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes)
• Midfielders: Ireen Lungu, Xiomara Mapepa (both China), Racheal Nachula (Israel), Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (USA), Evarine Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)
• Strikers: Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji (USA), Fridah Mukoma, Kabange Mupopo (China)

Meanwhile, WAFCON hosts Morocco are in the final stretch of their own preparations, they take on Malawi this evening at 21:30hrs CAT. Under the guidance of head coach Jorge Vilda Rodriguez, the Atlas Lionesses have been in camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura since June 11, sharpening their tactics and evaluating player combinations.

Vilda, who described his current squad as “the best I have coached so far,” has summoned 30 players for the preparatory phase, including key figures like Ghizlane Chebbak, Fatima Tagnaout, and Nouhaila Benzina.

Having finished runners-up at the last WAFCON in 2022 and reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Morocco enter the 2024 edition as strong contenders. The team will look to leverage their home advantage and wide fan support, with matches set to be played across six stadiums in five cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Oujda, and Berkane.

With the official tournament logo and emblem now unveiled, the countdown is well and truly underway. For the Copper Queens and Atlas Lionesses alike, these final days of preparation could prove decisive in their quest for continental glory.