Bruce Mwape names final squad for AWCON

Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape has named a strong 23 member final squad for the 2022 Morocco Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Skipper Barbra Banda leads the the squad named by the gaffer. Banda made history at the Olympics when she netted back to back hat-tricks becoming the first female football player to do so at the global showpiece.

The China based forward is expected to lead the attack alongside Turkey based Misozi Zulu and Kazakhstan domiciled Grace Chanda.

Coach Bruce Mwape has also named a number of youngsters in his squad including enterprising Evarine Susan Katongo, Esther Siamfuko, Esther ‘Gelo’ Banda, Maweta Glory Chilenga and Natasha Nanyangwe.

The team is expected to leave for Morocco next week for an international camp where a number of friendlies have been lined-up.

FULL SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS

Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Spor-Turkey), Leticia Lungu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Catherine Musonda (Indeni Roses)

DEFENDERS

Esther Banda (BUSA), Esther Siamfuko (Queens Academy), Margaret Belemu (Shanghai Shengli-China), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Anita Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Judith Soko (YASA Girls)

MIDFIELDERS

Misozi Zulu (Hakkariguku Spor FC -Turkey), Ireen Lungu (Green Buffaloes), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Evarine Susan Katongo (ZISD Women), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Maweta Chilenga (BUSA)

STRIKERS

Barbara Banda (Shanghai Shengli), Xiomara Mapepa (Lusaka Dynamos Ladies), Grace Chanda (BIIK Kazygurt-Kazakhstan), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows), Noria Sosala (Indeni Roses), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)