Zambia name experienced squad for WAFCON 2026 showdown with Super Falcons

Posted : 14 July 2026

Zambia have announced a strong final squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the Copper Queens prepare for a difficult Group C campaign in Morocco.

The Southern African nation will face defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi in one of the tournament's most competitive groups. With several established internationals included in the squad, Zambia are expected to be among the leading contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.

The Copper Queens have continued to establish themselves as one of Africa's top women's national teams in recent years. Their consistent performances on the continental and global stage have earned them recognition as one of the strongest sides heading into this year's championship.

Among the standout players in the squad are captain Barbra Banda and forward Racheal Kundananji, two of Africa's biggest stars who have enjoyed successful careers both internationally and at club level. Their attacking quality is expected to be central to Zambia's ambitions in Morocco.

Zambia will also rely on a core of experienced players who have featured in recent editions of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympic Games. That experience is expected to be crucial as they compete in a challenging group featuring Africa's most successful women's national team.

The Copper Queens remain the only African women's national side to have qualified for every senior FIFA global tournament this decade, underlining the steady progress the team has made in recent years. Their objective will be to build on those achievements by challenging for a first WAFCON title.

Nigeria's Super Falcons are favourites to top Group C as they pursue a record-extending 11th continental crown, but Zambia will be confident of testing the defending champions when the two sides meet during the group stage.

The clash between Nigeria and Zambia is widely expected to play a significant role in determining the final standings in Group C, with both teams viewed as favourites to advance to the knockout rounds ahead of Egypt and tournament debutants Malawi.

The 2026 WAFCON will be held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, with the expanded 16-team tournament also serving as part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

With a balanced squad combining experience and attacking quality, Zambia will believe they have the talent to challenge Africa's traditional powerhouses and make another deep run at the continental championship.

Zambia name experienced squad for WAFCON 2026 showdown with Super Falcons

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