The Zambia Women’s National Team will start their four-nations 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament campaign this afternoon. The Copper Queens will face world’s 47th-ranked Thailand before facing either China or Uzbekistan next week. Coach Nora Häuptle is using this tournament as part of preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set for Morocco in July. The Copper Queens will however be without the US based quartet of Skipper Barbra Banda, Rachel Kundananji, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya because of new travel restrictions by the US Government. Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Penelope Mulubwa, Avell Chitundu and Maweta Chilenga were handed late call ups as replacements and they have since joined camp. Coach Häuptle however feels it’s time for other players to step up and take up the opportunity in the absence of the quartet. “Our preparations went well, basically we called up a 24 squad, four of our top players were not able to travel, so we are here with a young squad. We had some really good training sessions, perfect organization of the tournament, enjoying the hotel surroundings and the warm welcome,” she said. “We want to give players exposure and also test new players. Since we don’t have four top players here it’s also time for other players to step in. We have five U20 players here,” she added. In goal, Häuptle has options in Catherine Musonda who is expected to start ahead of Eunice Sakala and Mwila Mufunte. Margaret Belemu is expected to start at right back with Martha Tembo or Judith Soko playing in the left back position. Lushomo Mweemba is expected to be joined by Pauline Zulu in the heart of defense. Häuptle has options in Matilda Mukunda, and Jackline Chomba. In midfield, Green Buffaloes star midfielder Evarine Susan Katongo is expected to be joined by teammate Natasha Nanyangwe and China based Ireen ‘Xavi’ Lungu. Häuptle could also throw Blessings Maluba into the thick of things with Maweta Chilenga, Avell Chitundu and Rhoda Chileshe all available for selection. Upfront, in the absence of Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji, Rachel Nachula will look to lead the team with Kabange Mupopo with Fridah Mukoma likely to take up one wing. Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Penelope Mulubwa and young Mercy Chipasula are other options available to coach Nora Häuptle. Zambia will square off at 13h35 CAT at the Yongchuan Sports Centre Stadium prior to that hosts China PR face off with Uzbekistan at 09h30 CAT.
The Zambia U17 Women’s Nationql Team has left for Togo to face Benin in the final round, second leg of the 2025 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The Copper Princesses left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 15h15 aboard Ethiopian Airlines. Zambia holds a 2-1 first leg advantage over Benin heading into the decisive match on April 26 in Lome. The Copper Princesses will be aiming to secure a historic back to back World Cup qualification while Benin is in search of its first-ever World Cup appearance. By FAZ Media
The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has referred the two incidents that happened during week 32 of the MTN Super League to the FAZ Disciplinary Committee. ZPL has urged the clubs to take greater responsibility in managing their players, officials and supporters and enhancing matchday security. Kabwe Warriors players confronted the first assistant after their goal was ruled out for offside and looked to have gotten physical in their approach in the video that’s circulating online. Meanwhile, suspected Nkana fans uprooted over 500 seats at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as chaos erupted after a penalty was awarded to Power Dynamos after a foul on Prince Mumba in the Kitwe derby. “The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has taken note of the incidents that occurred during the Week 32 fixtures between NAPSA Stars and Kabwe Warriors at REIZ Arena, and Nkana vs Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. In line with set guidelines the matters shall be referred to the FAZ Disciplinary Committee for due determination of the cases. We urge all clubs to take greater responsibility in managing their players, officials and supporters and enhancing matchday security. The ZPL remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all. Football should be a family-friendly experience where fans of all ages feel safe and welcome. Acts of violence not only disrupt this atmosphere but also undermine the spirit of the game.” The Statement went on; Likewise all fans are also urged to respect the game, support their teams peacefully, and report any misconduct to the appropriate authorities.” The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on the other hand has hinted on harsh punishment for the perpetrators of the chaos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium that caused damage to the stadium. “We sign off on a disturbing note following ugly scenes at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium where some hooligans masquerading as fans ripped off seats in protest of a penalty given to Power Dynamos against Nkana. The match ended 1-1. With the game being the most popular and biggest advert of our league, there could not have been a worse portrayal of our football. We are barely hanging on to one FIFA approved stadium and cannot afford such levels of barbarism. While it is too early to provide a conclusive picture of what measures will be taken, I can definitely confirm that this behaviour will be heavily punished.” Meanwhile Nkana Football Club whose fans have been figured as the major culprit in Sunday’s chaos has offered to replace the seats damaged during the derby. “While we may not agree with the referee’s decision, we respect the game and the spirit of sportsmanship. We deeply regret the actions of some individuals that led to the damage of property. As a club, we stand for integrity and respect, and we are committed to making amends,” Club President, Eng. Joseph Silwimba said. “We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the stadium management and we will take steps to replace the damaged seats.”
THE Zambia Under -20 men’s national team has safely landed in Cairo ahead of 2025 TotalEnergies Egypt Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 tournament that swings into action this week. The team plus officials touched down at the Cairo International Airport at exactly 10:50 hours local time and are expected to have their loosening up this evening. FAZ has secured an international friendly for the junior Chipolopolo against Ghana, set for 18:00 hours kick off tomorrow. The friendly will help the technical bench gauge the preparedness of the team ahead of the tournament that swings into action on Thursday. Zambia has been drawn into Group A, alongside hosts Egypt, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania, in the tournament scheduled from April 27 to May 18. The Mulwanda tutored side will open their AFCON journey on April 27 against hosts Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium. Switzerland based Joseph Sabobo Banda leads five other foreign-based players that include Joseph Liteta,Frank Chileshe, Andrew Mulenga), Bonephanseo Phiri and Aaron Mbemba are expected to join the rest of the team before Wednesday. By FAZ Media