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The Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)-bound Copper Queens will kick-start their tournament preparations on Monday after head coach Nora Häuptle summoned 38 players for a local training camp.
Häuptle has blended local talent with a number of foreign-based players whose leagues are currently on recess, as she begins early groundwork ahead of the continental showpiece.
Among the notable call-ups is France-based midfielder Samiah Phiri, who plays for Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC.
The 23-year-old, who was born in the United States to a Zambian father and an American mother, is eligible to represent Zambia upon completion of her dual citizenship process.
Read more: Copper Queens first to qualify for 2026 women’s CAF AFCON cup, beat Namibia 7-2 on aggregate
Phiri is expected to arrive in the country during the camp for assessment and to facilitate the finalisation of her eligibility documentation.
The coach has also named several Under-20 players in the provisional squad.
However, the youngsters will initially remain with the junior team, which is preparing for the February round of FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Uganda.
The Copper Queens have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt at the tournament, scheduled to run from March 17 to April.
The stakes will be high, with the top four teams at WAFCON earning automatic qualification to the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Zambia made history in 2022 when the Copper Queens qualified for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
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