Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle has unveiled her squad for the upcoming FIFA international friendlies against Malawi set for February 22 and 25 at REIZ Arena (formerly Woodlands) in Lusaka.

With the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2025 on the horizon in July, the two matches will serve as preparations for the 2023 WAFCON bronze medallists. Hauptle has called up eight foreign-based stars led by captain Barbra Banda who will join 20 locally based players selected from the pre-camp squad of 35.

28-MEMBER SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS; Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole (both Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls).

DEFENDERS; Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Blessing Mapalo Maluba (Marvellous Queens), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo (both Hakkarigucu-Turkey), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies).

MIDFIELDERS; Maweta Chilenga, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (all Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Avell Chitundu, Fridah Mukoma (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu-China), Xiomara Mapepa (ZHFK Krylya Sovetov-Russia), Abigail Munkombwe (Choma Warriors), Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows).

STRIKERS; Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Kabange Mupopo (Henan Jianye-China).