Häuptle Unveils 35-Member Provisional Squad for WAFCON

Nora Hauptle has named announced a 35-member provisional squad. The squad selection features an exciting blend of seasoned internationals and promising new faces, alongside the welcome return of experienced campaigners.
Among the notable highlights is the comeback of goalkeeper Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), who returns to the national team fold after a year’s absence.
 
Adding fresh impetus to the squad are maiden senior national team call-ups for two talented players. Margaret Phiri, the agile goalkeeper from Elite Ladies, and Margaret Gondwe, the solid defender from Green Buffaloes, have earned their places after impressive performances in the Eden University Women’s Super League.
 
Häuptle has also bolstered defensive options by recalling Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors) and Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses).
 
The midfield also sees the welcome return of the dynamic Red Arrows duo, Mary Wilombe and Mary Mambwe, providing Häuptle with more options in the engine room.
 
In-form trio of Barbra Banda, Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda all of Orlando Pride, have been summoned along with Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji.
 
At the WAFCON tournament, Zambia is in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo.

35-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Leticia Lungu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Margaret Phiri (The Elite Ladies), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)

DEFENDERS: Martha Tembo (Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Zamiwe Mukokomena (Indeni Roses), Matildah Mukunda (The Elite Ladies), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies)

MIDFIELDERS: Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Grace Chanda (Orlando Pride-USA), Prisca Chilufya (Orlando Pride-USA), Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Marjory Mulenga (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows)

STRIKERS: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)