By Chansa Kunda
Copper Queens Captain Barbara Banda has returned to Coach Nora Hauptle’s 29-member squad for the 2026 WAFCON preparations.
Banda, who had been sidelined due to injury, rejoins the team alongside midfielder Misozi Zulu, who missed the last WAFCON. Striker Prisca Chilufya of Angel City in the United States has also been recalled.
Coach Hauptle has retained the 23-member COSAFA squad and added six foreign-based players, including Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba.
According to FAZ, some foreign-based players affected by travel challenges due to the conflict in the Middle East will join the team once stability is restored.
The 2026 WAFCON, scheduled to run from March 17 to April 3, will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
image by FAZ
