Zambia’s Copper Queens have gone from underdogs to one of Africa’s most talked-about women’s teams. With history-making performances over the last few years and a squad stacked with world-class talent, Zambia enters WAFCON 2024 in Morocco as not just participants — but contenders.
After finishing third in 2022 and gaining global attention at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Copper Queens now return with a sharper mindset and bigger expectations.
📈 The Rise of the Copper Queens
Zambia’s trajectory in women’s football has been meteoric. From their WAFCON debut in 1995 to a breakthrough bronze medal in 2022, the team has become a continental force. Their impressive showing at the 2023 World Cup — including a win over Costa Rica — gave the world a glimpse of their firepower.
Now, with Olympic qualification for Paris 2024 already secured, they turn their focus back to the African crown.
👥 Key Players to Watch
🌟 Barbra Banda (Captain, Forward)
The heartbeat of the Copper Queens. A natural leader and lethal finisher, Banda is known for her Olympic hat-tricks and relentless energy. If she catches fire in Morocco, Zambia could go all the way.
🚀 Racheal Kundananji (Forward)
One of the most expensive women’s footballers in the world, Kundananji brings explosive pace and an eye for goal. Her partnership with Banda is one of the most feared in African football.
🎯 Grace Chanda (Midfielder/Forward)
A creative force who can operate behind the strikers or as a winger. Chanda adds flair and goal-scoring punch from midfield.
🧤 Catherine Musonda (Goalkeeper)
Solid and dependable, Musonda brings international experience and crucial reflexes between the posts.
🧠 The Coach: Nora Häuptle
Appointed in early 2024, Swiss-born Nora Häuptle is Zambia’s first foreign female head coach. Known for her structured approach and eye for detail, she has emphasized mental strength, tactical discipline, and long-term growth. Her leadership could be key in taking Zambia to the next level.
🗓️ Group A Fixtures
🇲🇦 Morocco vs Zambia 🇿🇲
📅 Saturday, 5 July 2025
📍 Stade Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
🕕 18:00 (GMT+1)
🇿🇲 Zambia vs Senegal 🇸🇳
📅 Wednesday, 9 July 2025
📍 Stade Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
🕗 20:00 (GMT+1)
🇿🇲 Zambia vs DR Congo 🇨🇩
📅 Sunday, 13 July 2025
📍 Stade Moulay Hassan, Rabat
🕗 20:00 (GMT+1)
🎯 Expectations
Zambia will be aiming for a semifinal or better finish. With attacking talent, growing experience, and tactical maturity, the Copper Queens are more than capable of reaching the final. They are no longer the dark horses — they are one of the favorites.
🔮 Final Word
Zambia’s Copper Queens have arrived. They’ve grown from a rising story into a powerhouse with global respect. At WAFCON 2024, they don’t just want to compete — they want to conquer.
