Ahead of their first-ever appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Zambia’s head coach Bruce Mwape has revealed his side’s final 23-player squad for the upcoming tournament in New Zealand and Australia later this month.
The Zambian tactician left out top stars like Green Buffaloes’ defender Esther Siamfuko and Anita Mulenga from the final list he released on Tuesday, which came as a shock to many fans of the Copper Queens.
The released squad, which will be spearheaded by China-based Barbara Banda of Shanghai Shengli, who has been in red-hot form for both club and country, will be making history when the ball gets rolling in Oceania.
Vice captain and goalkeeper Hazel Nali, who showcased her exceptional skills in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, will be in goal for the Copper Queens, who booked a spot in the Mundial by finishing third in the WAFCON last year.
Zambia are drawn in Group C with 2011 champions Japan, pre-tournament favorites Spain, and Costa Rica.
They will kick off their maiden campaign with a game against Nadeshiko Japan on Friday, July 21, before games against La Roja and La Tricolor on July 26 and July 31, respectively.
FULL LIST OF ZAMBIAN PLAYERS FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Goalkeepers: Catherine Musonda, Eunice Sakala, Hazel Nali
Defenders: Magaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Banda, Judith Soko, Mary Mulenga, Vast Phiri
Midfielders: Evarine Katongo, Ireen Lungu, Helen Chanda, Mary Wilombe, Susan Banda, Avell Chitundu
Forwards: Barbra Banda, Xiomara Mapepa, Rachael Kundananji, Grace Chanda, Ochumba Lubanji, Hellen Mubanga
