The Copper Queens will kick off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on Tuesday with a Group C clash against Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is 19h00.

The Nora Häuptle-tutored side has been in Morocco for three days following preparations in Algeria.

Speaking at a pre-match media conference, Coach Häuptle said the team is fit and ready.

“We can’t wait to start the tournament. Of course we had preparations in Algeria. Our players in camp are fit and ready,” she said.

The Swiss tactician said Zambia will be aggressive but will not underrate the Egyptians.

“We are wary of our opposition to Egypt. We are starting against Egypt, a footballing nation. We can’t underrate them, but we are focusing on ourselves,” Häuptle said.

Captain Barbra Banda said the mood in camp is high.

“The mood is very high in camp. The girls are excited to start tomorrow, and we can’t wait for the game. We take each game as it comes. Our focus is on the game against Egypt,” Banda said.

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya addressed the team ahead of the tournament.

“The coach picked 26 of you to represent over 22 million Zambian people. Most of you played at the World Cup and saw what happened. It changed the lives of a number of you. Those who have been there should encourage those who haven’t because another opportunity is before us,” Chakatazya said.

He urged the players to support the technical bench and play as a team.

“Let’s work hard, support the coach and the technical bench. We should support our friends; no pointing fingers. Once you are a team, when one makes a mistake, you cover up, correct the mistake and talk later,” he added.

Zambia will be aiming to better their 2022 WAFCON bronze medal achievement.

FULL SQUAD FOR THE 2026 WAFCON

Goalkeepers

Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls)

Defenders

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe, Rachael Nachula (both Green Buffaloes), BlessingMaluba (Nchanga Queens), Siomala Mapepa (Al Taraji Club, Saudi Arabia), Saliya Mwanza, Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (all Hakkarigücü Spor, Türkey).

Midfielders

Susan Banda (Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Querétaro, Mexico), Hellen Chanda (Eastern Flames, Saudi Arabia), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni), Avell Chitundu (ZescoNdola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Maccabi Ra’anana Women’s FC, Israel), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan, China).

Strikers

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City FC, USA), Mercy Chipasula, EnelessPhiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC, USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan, China), Kabange Mupopo (Liaoning Shenbei Hefeng, China), Ochuma Oseke (Quanzhou Nanan, China)

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