The head coach of Copper Queens of Zambia Nora Hauptle has named a strong 24-member squad for Yongchuan International.
9 of the players named in the team ply their trade out side Zambia.
The Swiss coach has recalled Orlando Pride duo Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya in the squad.
Skipper Barbra Banda and influential forward Racheal Kundananji will lead the squad.
Turkey based defensive duo Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba will also fly from their base to China.
Veteran striker Kabange Mupopo and new kid on the block Fridah Mupopo will link up with team.
The other foreign based player is Racheal Nachula who will connect front her base in Israel.
The tournament will feature hosts China, Uzbekistan and Thailand and serves as part of the Copper Queens’ preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July in Morocco.
Indeni Roses duo Eunice Sakala (goalkeeper) and Rhoda Chileshe (midfielder) have also earned call-ups, while ZISD Women defender Jackline Chomba returns to the squad following her participation in the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The tournament will be held in Chongqing, China from April 5-8.
Häuptle is using the Yongchuan International Tournament will provide the Copper Queens with international competition as they continue to fine-tune tactics and build momentum ahead of their WAFCON in Morocco.
24-MEMBER SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
✓ Mwila Chishala Mufunte – Green Buffaloes
✓ Catherine Musonda – Red Arrows
✓ Eunice Sakala – Indeni Roses
DEFENDERS
✓ Margaret Belemu – Red Arrows
✓ Jackline Chomba – ZISD Women
✓ Blessing Mapalo Maluba – Nchanga Queens
✓ Matildah Mukunda – Elite Ladies
✓ Lushomo Mweemba
✓ Martha Tembo – Hakkarigucu-Turkey
✓ Esther Siamfuko – Green Buffaloes
✓ Judith Soko – ZESCO Ndola Girls
✓ Pauline Zulu – Zanaco Ladies
MIDFIELDERS
✓ Grace Chanda – Orlando Pride-USA
✓ Prisca Chilufya – Orlando Pride-USA
✓ Rhoda Chileshe – Indeni Roses
✓ Evarine Susan Katongo – Green Buffaloes
✓ Natasha Nanyangwe – Green Buffaloes
✓ Mercy Chipasula – Kamfinsa Blue Eagles
✓ Ireen Lungu – Sichuan-China
✓ Racheal Nachula – Hapoel Jerusalem-Israel
STRIKERS
✓ Barbra Banda – Orlando Pride-USA
✓ Racheal Kundananji – Bay FC-USA
✓ Kabange Mupopo – Henan Jianye-China
✓ Fridah Mukoma – Beijing Jingstan FC-China
