Zambia women's national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | Copper Queens | |||
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Association | FAZ | |||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | |||
Sub-confederation | COSAFA (Southern Africa) | |||
Head coach | Nora Häuptle | |||
Captain | Barbra Banda | |||
FIFA code | ZAM | |||
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FIFA ranking | ||||
Current | 114 ![]() |
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Highest | 62 (August – December 2024) | |||
Lowest | 131 (October – December 2007) | |||
First international | ||||
![]() ![]() (South Africa; 5 November 1994) |
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Biggest win | ||||
![]() ![]() (Ibhayi, South Africa; 1 August 2019) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||
![]() ![]() (Rifu, Japan; 21 July 2021) |
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World Cup | ||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2023) | |||
Best result | Group stage (2023) | |||
Africa Cup of Nations | ||||
Appearances | 4 (first in 1995) | |||
Best result | Third place (2022) | |||
Summer Olympics | ||||
Appearances | 2 (first in 2020) | |||
Best result | Group stage (2020, 2024) |
The Zambia women's national football team represents Zambia in the sport of association football. They are also known as the Copper Queens. This team plays in big tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup and other African competitions.
The team made history by playing in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. They were the first landlocked country in Africa to qualify for a senior World Cup in either men's or women's soccer.
Team History
Zambia officially formed its women's national team in 1983. This made them one of the first women's football teams in Africa.
In 2003, the team got its uniforms from a company called Umbro. Umbro also sponsored the men's team. The Copper Queens wear green shorts, a green jersey, and green socks.
Early Matches and Tournaments
The team played some matches in 1994 to try and qualify for the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup. On November 5, 1994, Zambia played against South Africa and lost 3–5. In the next game on November 17, 1994, in Lusaka, Zambia, Zambia lost again, 2–6.
After these games, Zambia did not play in any official FIFA matches until 2001. They joined the 2002 COSAFA Cup women's tournament in Harare, Zimbabwe. They won against the Malawi women's national football team 8–0. They lost to the Zimbabwe women's national football team 0–4. Then they beat Lesotho women's national football team 3–1. They finished second in their group.
In the semifinals, they lost to South Africa women's national football team 1–3. But they won the third-place game against Mozambique women's national football team 1–0. Julia Siame scored the winning goal. By 2003, FIFA ranked Zambia as the 106th best women's team.
Growth and Challenges
In 2004, Zambia's rank dropped to 113. The team's coach was Cephias Katongo. He also coached the Zambia national under-17 football team. In 2006, Zambia's world ranking fell to 126. George Chikokola was the head coach then.
In March 2006, Zambia played two games against Congo DR. They lost both matches. Congo DR won 3–0 in Lubumbashi and 3–2 in Chingola.
Zambia hosted a regional COSAFA women's football tournament in 2006. Nine countries were supposed to play, but Mozambique pulled out. South Africa won the tournament. Zambia finished in third place.
The 2006 team had 20 players. They tied Namibia 2–2, with Noria Sosala and Charity Mpongo scoring. They beat Swaziland 7–0. Charity Mpongo scored four goals in that game. They finished first in their group. In the semifinal, they tied Namibia 1–1 but lost in a penalty shootout. They then beat Zimbabwe 2–1 to take third place. Noria Sosala scored both goals.
In 2007, Zambia's rank improved to 117. They were supposed to play in the 2007 African Games qualifying tournament but withdrew. Later that year, they played Zimbabwe in the 2008 African Women Championship. They lost 1–3 in Harare but won 2–1 in Lusaka.
By 2008, their rank went up to 110. They won a match against Botswana 4–2. In 2009, FIFA ranked them 92nd. They did not play any official matches that year. In 2010, their rank dropped to 122. They won two matches against Botswana, 4–1 and 2–1.
In 2011, Zambia's rank fell to 125th. They lost two games to South Africa. Later, they played three games in Harare. They lost to South Africa 1–4, but beat Tanzania 4–1 and Botswana 4–1.
Olympic Debut
In 2012, Enala Phiri-Simbeye became the team's coach. Deborah Chisanga was the team captain. On January 14, 2012, they beat Malawi 7–0. This game was part of the CAF African Women's Championship. In the return game, Malawi beat Zambia 4–2.
Zambia qualified for the 2020 Olympics by beating Cameroon. This was their first time at the Olympics. In their first Olympic game, they lost 3–10 to the Netherlands. This was the highest-scoring women's soccer match in Olympic history.
Olympic Team Details
For the 2012 Summer Olympics, there were no age limits for players. Zambia decided to qualify with a team of younger players (U20/U23). Coach Enala Phiri-Simbeye led the team. They beat the Botswana women's national football team twice.
Zambia's U23 team also played in the 2011 All-Africa Games qualifiers. They played two games against Zimbabwe. They lost 0–1 in Harare and 1–3 in Lusaka. These losses meant they were out of the tournament.
Homeless World Cup Team
In 2008, a team from Zambia played in the Homeless World Cup. They won every game and became champions. The tournament was held in Melbourne, Australia. They beat teams like Paraguay, Uganda, and Colombia. In the final, they beat Liberia 7–1.
2023 World Cup Journey
Zambia qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This was a big moment for the country. They secured their spot by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
In the World Cup, Zambia was in Group C with Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica. They lost their first two matches 0–5 to Japan and Spain. This meant they were out of the group stage. However, they won their final game against Costa Rica 3–1. In this match, Barbra Banda scored Zambia's first-ever World Cup goal. This goal was also the 1,000th goal in Women's World Cup history!
Recent Matches
- Legend
Win Draw Loss Void and postponed Fixture
2024 Matches
13 July Friendly | New Zealand ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Vichy, France |
Kitching ![]() |
Chileshe ![]() |
Stadium: Stade Louis Darragon |
25 July 2024 Olympics GS | United States ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Nice, France |
21:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Stade de Nice Attendance: 5,550 Referee: Ramon Abatti (Brazil) |
28 July 2024 2024 Olympics GS | Australia ![]() |
6–5 | ![]() |
Nice, France |
19:00 | Stadium: Stade de Nice |
31 July 2024 Olympics GS | Zambia ![]() |
1–4 | ![]() |
Saint-Étienne, France |
19:00 | Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard |
24 October 2024 2024 COSAFA WC GS | Zambia ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Ibhayi, South Africa |
12:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium Referee: Grace Gimo (Zimbabwe) |
29 October 2024 2024 COSAFA WC GS | Zambia ![]() |
7–0 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
12:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Madibaz Stadium Referee: Antsino Twanyanyukwa (Namibia) |
31 October 2024 2024 COSAFA WC SF | Malawi ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
Ibhayi, South Africa |
12:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium Referee: Vistoria Nuusiku Shangula (Namibia) |
2 November 2024 2024 COSAFA WC F | Zambia ![]() |
0–0 (a.e.t.) (4–3 p) |
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Ibhayi, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium Referee: Antsino Twanyanyukwa (Namibia) |
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Penalties | ||||
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2025 Matches
5 April Yongchuan International Tournament | Zambia ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
Chongqing, China |
19:35 UTC+8 |
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Stadium: Yongchuan Sports Center |
8 April Yongchuan International Tournament | Zambia ![]() |
4–3 | ![]() |
Chongqing, China |
--:-- UTC+8 | Stadium: Yongchuan Sports Center |
31 May 2025 Nations Challenge | Botswana ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Pretoria, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Ontlametse ![]() |
B. Banda ![]() |
Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium |
3 June Nations Challenge | South Africa ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Pretoria, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium |
5 July WAFCON 2024 GS | Morocco ![]() |
2–2 | ![]() |
Rabat, Morocco |
21:00 |
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Stadium: Olympic Stadium Referee: Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda) |
9 July WAFCON 2024 GS | Zambia ![]() |
3–2 | ![]() |
Mohammedia,Morocco |
17:00 |
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Stadium: El Bachir Stadium Referee: Vincentia Amédomé (Togo) |
12 July WAFCON 2024 GS | Zambia ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Mohammedia,Morocco |
20:00 | Kundananji ![]() |
Stadium: El Bachir Stadium Referee: Josephine Wanjiku (Kenya) |
18 July CAF WAFCON 2024 QF | Nigeria ![]() |
5–0 | ![]() |
Casablanca, Morocco |
18:00 |
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Stadium: Larbi Zaouli Stadium Referee: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) |
- Fixtures and Results – Soccerway.com
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Coaching Staff
Current Coaches
Role | Name |
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Head coach | ![]() |
Assistant coach | ![]() |
Past Managers
Players
Current Team Members
- The following 24 players were chosen for the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which took place from July 5 to July 27, 2025.
Caps (games played) and goals are correct up to July 13, 2025.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Catherine Musonda | February 20, 1998 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | GK | Mwila Chishala Mufunte | September 7, 2007 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | GK | Ngambo Musole | June 26, 1998 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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2 | DF | Memory Nthala | July 21, 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Lushomo Mweemba | April 10, 2001 | 35 | 2 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Esther Siamfuko | August 8, 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Pauline Zulu | October 3, 2004 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
8 | DF | Margaret Belemu | February 24, 1997 | 30 | 1 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Martha Tembo | March 8, 1998 | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | DF | Mapalo Maluba | March 26, 2007 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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6 | MF | Mary Wilombe | September 22, 1997 | 26 | 1 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Grace Chanda | June 11, 1997 | 35 | 12 | ![]() |
12 | MF | Evarine Katongo | December 29, 2002 | 18 | 1 | ![]() |
14 | MF | Ireen Lungu | October 6, 1997 | 22 | 5 | ![]() |
15 | MF | Rhoda Chileshe | May 8, 1998 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | MF | Xiomara Mapepa | June 4, 2002 | 10 | 3 | ![]() |
20 | MF | Racheal Nachula | January 14, 1986 | 10 | 6 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Mercy Chipasula | March 23, 2008 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | MF | Natasha Nanyangwe | June 27, 1999 | 7 | 1 | ![]() |
25 | MF | Prisca Chilufya | June 8, 1999 | 11 | 2 | ![]() |
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7 | FW | Fridah Mukoma | October 13, 2006 | 4 | 1 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Kabange Mupopo | September 21, 1992 | 5 | 1 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Barbra Banda (Captain) | March 20, 2000 | 24 | 28 | ![]() |
17 | FW | Racheal Kundananji | June 3, 2000 | 14 | 10 | ![]() |
Recent Players Called Up
The following players were called up to the team in the 12 months before July 2025.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Chitete Munsaka | 28 November 2000 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics | ||
GK | Loveness Tonge | 28 November 2003 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Leticia Lungu | 7 August 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
GK | Chimwemwe Mwale | 18 July 1997 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
GK | Annie Namonje | 26 April 2000 | - | - | ![]() |
v.![]() |
GK | Eunice Sakala | 23 May 2002 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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DF | Esther Banda | 21 November 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE |
DF | Thelma Chella | 28 November 2004 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE | |
DF | Mary Mulenga | 11 April 1998 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE | ||
DF | Bernadette Mubanga | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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DF | Vast Phiri | 3 February 1996 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
DF | Melody Kipimpi | 1 December 1996 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
DF | Martha Katila Banda | 6 April 2004 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
DF | Tabo Miselo | 20 February 2002 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
DF | Esther Muchinga | 16 November 2000 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
DF | Diana Banda | 5 September 2002 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
DF | Jackline Chomba | 6 April 1996 | - | - | ![]() |
v.![]() |
DF | Matildah Mukunda | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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DF | Judith Soko | 31 March 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
DF | Margaret Gondwe | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Comfort Selemani | 8 February 2004 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE | ||
MF | Salome Phiri | 8 December 2002 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Susan Banda | 6 July 1990 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Misozi Zulu | 11 October 1994 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
MF | Hellen Chanda | 23 May 1995 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics | ||
MF | Esther Mushota | 12 July 1999 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
MF | Mary Mambwe | 27 October 2002 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
MF | Regina Chanda | 22 June 2002 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
MF | Bupe Banda | 12 December 2006 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
MF | Majory Mulenga | 17 August 2003 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
MF | Ruth Mukisi | 18 September 1992 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
MF | Maweta Chilenga | - | - | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Avell Chitundu | 30 July 1997 | 19 | 3 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
MF | Abigail Munkombwe | - | - | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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FW | Lubandji Ochumba | 1 July 2001 | - | - | ![]() |
v.![]() |
MF | Mapalo Maluba | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Mercy Chipasula | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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MF | Xiomara Mapea | 10 | 3 | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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FW | Eneless Phiri | 2 June 2003 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE | ||
FW | Agness Phiri | 11 April 2003 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE | ||
FW | Hellen Mubanga | 23 May 1995 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics PRE | ||
FW | Florence Banda | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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FW | Ochumba Oseke | 1 July 2002 | 20 | 4 | ![]() |
2024 Summer Olympics |
FW | Charity Mubanga | 5 June 2000 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
FW | Lungowe Namasiku | 6 December 2002 | - | - | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Women's Championship |
FW | Penelope Mulubwa | ![]() |
v.![]() |
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INJ Injured player. |
Past Teams
- FIFA Women's World Cup
- 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup squads
- Africa Women Cup of Nations
- 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations squads
- COSAFA Women's Championship
- 2020 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
- 2022 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
- 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
- 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship squad
- Turkish Women's Cup
- 2023 Turkish Women's Cup squads
Tournament Records
FIFA Women's World Cup
Zambia played in its first World Cup on July 22, 2023.
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 11 | |
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To be determined | |||||||
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To be determined | |||||||
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To be determined | |||||||
Total | 1/12 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 11 |
Olympic Games
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Group stage | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 15 | |
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Group stage | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 13 | |
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To be determined | |||||||
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To be determined | |||||||
Total | 2/5 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 28 |
Africa Cup
African Games
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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See U-20 team | |||||||
Total |
COSAFA Championship
- *Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
Turkish Cup
Year | Round | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
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2021 | Withdrew | |||||||
Total |
Honors
Major Competitions
- Women's Africa Cup of Nations