Kundananji joins copper queens camp as it gets close to full

Racheal Kundananji, a forward for the Zambia Women’s National Team, has arrived at the Copper Queens camp just in time for the upcoming international friendlies against Botswana and South Africa, making the squad total 23 players.

The Bay FC player landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport this afternoon (Monday) at 14h35, after her teammates from the USA, Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya, arrived from Orlando Pride.

Now that Kundananji is here, only Racheal Nachula, who plays in Israel for Hapoel Jerusalem, is left to complete the 24-member squad that coach Nora Häuptle has named for the two important matches coming up during the FIFA international window.

The Copper Queens will take on Botswana on May 31 and then face South Africa on June 3 in Pretoria.

These games are part of the team’s preparation for the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be held in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

FINAL SQUAD OF 24 MEMBERS

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)