USA-based trio join Copper Queens ahead of Botswana, South Africa friendlies

The Copper Queens have received a major boost with the arrival of USA-based trio Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya ahead of the upcoming FIFA international friendly matches against Botswana and South Africa.

The Orlando Pride trio touched down after fulfilling club duties in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), bringing the total number of players in camp to 22.

Only Bay FC striker Racheal Kundananji and Israel-based Racheal Nachula are yet to report, with the duo expected to complete the 24-member squad later today and tomorrow.

Coach Nora Häuptle is using the two high-profile friendlies as part of the team’s build-up to the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set for 5–26 July in Morocco.

The Copper Queens will face Botswana on 31st May before entertaining Banyana Banyana of South Africa on 3rd June in Pretoria.

The team has already been bolstered by the earlier arrivals of Turkey-based defenders Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba, China-based quartet of Ireen Lungu, Xiomara Mapepa, Fridah Mukoma and Kabange Mupopo and a strong local contingent.

Both matches fall within the FIFA international window and will serve as key tests for the Copper Queens as they gear up for the biggest women’s football extravaganza in Africa.

24-Member final Squad:

GOALKEEPERS

Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)

DEFENDERS

Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), 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, Prisca Chilufya (both Orlando Pride-USA), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)

STRIKERS

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC-China), Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC-China), Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC-USA)

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