The Zambia U20 Women’s National Team, fondly known as the Young Copper Queens, are gearing up for the highly anticipated 2025 UEFA Friendship Cup in Turkey. Head coach Florence Mwila has named a 26-member provisional squad that will compete in the tournament from March 31 to April 10, 2025.
Young Copper Queens’ Provisional Squad Announced
Coach Mwila will be assisted by Charity Nthala and goalkeeper coach Sarah Chungu as they prepare a team blending U17 graduates with experienced U20 players, all falling within the U18 category. The final squad will be trimmed to 20 players before departure.
Among the standout selections are U17 stars Natasha Nkaka, Lweendo Hanongo, and Masela Sekeseke, who played a pivotal role in Zambia’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Their inclusion signifies the Football Association of Zambia’s (FAZ) commitment to youth development and talent promotion.
Group Stage & Tournament Format
The Young Copper Queens are placed in Group A alongside hosts Turkey, Colombia, and Thailand. Group B features Tanzania, Finland, Lebanon, and Jamaica.
The UEFA Friendship Cup is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide talented young players with valuable international experience, fostering cultural exchange and technical growth. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will host the tournament at its national training centre in Riva, near Istanbul.
Zambia & Tanzania Representing Africa
Zambia and its East African counterparts, Tanzania, are the only two African teams invited to this prestigious tournament. This presents a unique platform for Zambia’s young stars to showcase their skills on the global stage, learning from different footballing cultures and tactics.
UEFA’s objective is to promote diversity, build global networks, and expose young players to varied playing styles. This is a major stepping stone for Zambia’s women’s football development.
Full 26-Member Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Cynthia Mushili (Nchanga Queens)
- Margaret Phiri (Elite Ladies)
- Lucy Ndebe (Marvellous Girls)
Defenders:
- Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)
- Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies)
- Chimwemwe Banda (Football Chance Foundation)
- Natasha Nkaka (Choma Warriors)
- Mwaziona Sakala (Chipata Girls)
- Fridah Mbao (Pataaki)
- Dorcas Kupanda (Kansanshi Dynamos)
- Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens)
- Esther Musialela (ZANACO Ladies)
Midfielders:
- Eunice Bwalya (YASA Queens)
- Harriet Matipa (YASA Queens)
- Zangose Blessings Zulu (Pataaki)
- Tricia Mabamba (Nchanga Queens)
- Brenda Mwewa (Nchanga Queens)
- Mapalo Lumya (Nkana Queens)
- Mary Mukupa (Red Arrows)
Strikers:
- Bwalya Namute Chileshe (Green Buffaloes)
- Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace)
- Gift Chilwizhi (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)
- Theresa Nayame (Ntindi Shining Stars)
- Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows)
- Judith Phiri (FC MUZA)
- Ireen Mweemba (Marvellous Girls)
What This Means for Zambian Women’s Football
Participation in the UEFA Friendship Cup is a significant step for Zambia’s women’s football program. It not only provides a highly competitive environment but also allows young players to gain international exposure and improve their skills against top teams.
Zambia’s continued investment in youth football development is yielding results, with more young talents getting international opportunities. This tournament will serve as a learning curve for both players and technical staff, equipping them with essential skills for future competitions.
