Copper Queens boss Nora Elizabeth Häuptle says she is expecting tough and tight games at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026. 
The Swedish gaffer was speaking shortly after the Copper Queens were drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Egypt and neighbors Malawi for continental showpiece. 
Häuptle is however relishing the challenge because she feels if the team qualifies to the knockout stage from this group then they will be very strong. 
“I know Nigeria well, so I’m excited. You know, for me, it’s cool that we can start in the tournament and we need to just raise the bar suddenly on 100%. You know, it’s no warm up time. A good group, but also Malawi, never underestimate Malawi. You know, they also have top players in the NWSL and  in France,” Häuptle said. 
“So I expect very tough and tight games and I think when you surpass and when you survive this group you know then you will get very strong in the knockout stage of course,” she added.  
Häuptle believes proper preparations will be key for the Copper Queens to be able to face off with teams like Nigeria who have won the WAFCON a record 10 times. 
“Yeah, I think we’re going to prepare as well, putting some good friendly games on the pitch to have a good strategy. For me, Nigeria, I mean, there are so many times champions of this tournament. I see our position, you know, always to try to hunt. Of course, to chase. We’re going to prepare well,” she said. 
The gaffer is happy to have first choice goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali back in the fold after being out with an injury for almost two years. 
“Our top players are getting ready for it and I’m sure we’re going to find the right strategy and hopefully also have the right daily mood and daily level, which is needed,” she said. 
“Hazel Nali is back, so I worked a lot in the last months to bring all those players back in. Some also overcame some injuries, but I think we now have the whole squad together, and it’s a key element also that we raise the bar on the goalkeeper position, of course.”
The 2026 WAFCON will be Zambia’s fifth appearance at the tournament [2014, 2018, 2022, 2024 & 2026].
This edition of the tournament will double as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.The tournament will be played from 17 March-3 April 2026.
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MTN Super League side ZESCO United have reinforced their squad with two new acquisitions namely Emmanuel Manda and Derrick Obame. 
Derrick Maureen Assoumou Obame is a Gabonese attacking midfielder who joins Team Ya Ziko from Football Canon 105. The club took to social media to confirm the development. 
Emmanuel Manda joins Zega Mambo from FC MUZA and has penned a two year deal with the Ndola based outfit. 
“ZESCO United Football Club is proud to officially unveil two exciting new additions to the Ndola Giants – Gabonese attacking midfielder Derrick Maureen Assoumou Obame and Zambian forward Emmanuel Manda from FC MUZA.
At only 19 years old, Obame arrives from Football Canon 105 (Gabon) as a highly rated left-footed playmaker, identified by the club as a strategic addition to strengthen creativity, tempo control and attacking unpredictability ahead of both domestic and continental campaigns. His technical quality, vision, composure in tight spaces and attacking intelligence are expected to elevate ZESCO’S offensive play and provide quality service to the forwards. Obame has already linked up with the squad in Ndola and will integrate immediately with the technical team,” reads part of a statement from ZESCO United. 
“Meanwhile, Emmanuel Manda joins the live wires from FC MUZA, bringing aggression, pace and attacking hunger to the frontline. The dynamic forward has officially arrived in Ndola and put pen to paper on a two-year contract following agreement between the two clubs. Known for his ability to unsettle defenders and his all-round attacking play, Manda now embarks on an exciting new chapter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as ZESCO continues to build a squad capable of challenging for silverware both locally and continentally.”
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Zambia Under-20 Women National Team coach Florence Mwila has named a 34-member provisional squad for the back-to-back third round FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uganda.
Mwila has roped in some of the starlets from the under-17 FIFA World Cup squad to inject some dynamism in the set up.
The team will enter camp on Monday as part of preparation for the Uganda clash, which is the penultimate stage for the Poland 2026 FIFA World Cup. 
Zambia will be away to Uganda on February 7 before hosting the East Africans at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium a week later with a place in the final round at stake. 
The junior Copper Queens are chasing their debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup where their seniors and the under-17 have already been.
Zambia is hoping to be among four African representatives at the 24-team tournament, which will take place in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Mwila Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Mary Nyangu (Yasa Queens), Harriet Tembo (Zanaco Ladies), Loveness Chingwele (Muza Queens)
(DEFENDERS)
Esther Musialela (Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Fridah Mbao (Pataaki Queens), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Jessy Zulu (Green Buffaloes), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles), Kampamba Mulenga (Nchanga Queens), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro), Precious Mwape (Luyando Foundation)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Bupe Banda, Masela Sekeseke, Beatrice Njobvu (all Red Arrows), Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Pumulo Lubasi, Blessings Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace), Gift Chilwishi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Tricia Mabamba, Mapalo Maluba (both Nchanga Queens)
(STRIKERS)
Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Beauty Phiri (Muza Queens FC), Mary Mukupa (Red Arrows), Sarah Nkandu (Radar Queens), Edith Phiri (Indeni Roses), Victoria Mbali (Young Green Buffaloes), Agness Musele (Trident), Theresa Nayame (Kansanshi Queens), Sharon Siakaloba (Pemba Queens)
By FAZ Media 
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