Nali, Nachula return as Häuptle names 42 for Namibia showdown

Zambia Women’s National Team coach, Nora Häuptle, has named a 42-member provisional squad for the back-to-back Morocco 2026 FIFA Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia.

Häuptle has recalled fit-again Zesco Ndola Girls goalkeeper, Hazel Nali, alongside Nchanga Queens shot-stopper, Agness Fabiola Banda.
Red-hot Zesco Ndola Girls forward, Eneles Phiri and Kamfinsa Police speedster, Mercy Chipasula, have also made the squad among other notables.

Israel-based Rachael Nachula is part of the local squad as she is currently in the country.

Under-20 starlets, Chishala Mufunte and Margaret Gondwe, have been roped in but will only join after their weekend assignment in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup home match against Burundi in Ndola.

Foreign-based players will link up with the team in the final stages of preparations when the FIFA window opens on October 20.

The first-leg away match against Namibia will be played on October 22 at Dobsonville Stadium in South Africa, as Namibia currently has no FIFA-approved venue. Zambia will then host the Brave Gladiators four days later in the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The aggregate winner over the two legs will qualify for the Morocco 2026 FIFA Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in March, which will also serve as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Agness Banda (Nchanga Queens), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Ng’ambo Musole (Green Buffaloes), Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Annie Namoonje (Zesco Ndola Girls), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses).

Defenders: Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Josephine Lubinda (Choma Warriors), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Esther Muchinga (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Matildah Mukunda (Elite Ladies), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Rachael Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem – Israel), Esther Siamfuko (Green Buffaloes), Memory Nthala (Green Buffaloes), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Justina Zulu (Zanaco Ladies), Pauline Zulu (Zanaco Ladies).

Midfielders: Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Hellen Chanda (Green Buffaloes), Maweta Chilenga (Green Buffaloes), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Natasha Witika (Konkola Blades Queens).

Attackers: Chabwe Ngosa (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mwangala Namakau (Kamfinsa Police), Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Mary Mbewe (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Medrine Lukhelo (Trident Queens), Eneles Phiri (ZESCO Ndola Girls), Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Rachael Moono (Green Eagles), Maylan Mulenga (Green Buffaloes), Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes), Ruth Ngoma (ZANACO Ladies).

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