Zambia’s golden generation chasing first WAFCON crown with Banda and Kundananji leading charge

Zambia head into the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 with a clear mission: turn years of steady progress into their first continental triumph.

The Copper Queens have emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting women’s football nations, combining an explosive attack with a growing group of players competing at the highest level internationally. After finishing third at the 2022 tournament and exiting at the quarter-final stage in 2024, Zambia return to the competition determined to take the next step and challenge for the title.

Under new head coach Nora Häuptle, Zambia will look to transform their attacking quality and tournament experience into a historic championship run.

Zambia profile: A rising African powerhouse

Nickname: Copper Queens
WAFCON appearances: 6
Last appearance: 2024
Best finish: Third place (2022)
FIFA ranking: 64th
CAF ranking: 4th
Head coach: Nora Häuptle

Zambia’s rise has been one of the biggest stories in African women’s football in recent years. Their breakthrough moment arrived at the 2022 Women’s AFCON, where they secured a historic bronze medal after defeating Nigeria in the third-place playoff.

That achievement confirmed their arrival among the continent’s elite, while their performances at subsequent major tournaments have strengthened their reputation as one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking teams.

Although their 2024 campaign ended with a quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Nigeria, the Copper Queens remain a side capable of troubling any opponent.

Road to Morocco: Comfortable qualification

Zambia booked their place at the 2026 tournament in convincing fashion after entering the qualifiers in the second round as one of Africa’s six highest-ranked teams.

The Copper Queens faced Namibia and produced a dominant display over two legs. They secured a 4-2 victory in the first leg in Soweto before completing the job with a 3-0 win in Ndola to seal a 7-2 aggregate triumph.

Forward Racheal Kundananji was the standout performer during qualification, scoring a hat-trick in the opening match before adding another goal in the return fixture.

Her form highlighted Zambia’s biggest strength — a devastating attack capable of deciding games at the highest level.

Nora Häuptle brings tactical structure

The 2026 tournament will be Häuptle’s first full Women’s AFCON campaign as Zambia coach after taking charge of the Copper Queens in 2025.

The Swiss tactician arrived with significant experience, having previously managed Ghana’s women’s national team and played a key role in helping the Black Queens secure qualification for Morocco 2026.

A UEFA Pro Licence holder with a Master’s degree in Sports Science from the University of Bern, Häuptle has built her coaching career through spells in Switzerland and Germany.

Her appointment is expected to add tactical organisation and discipline to a Zambia team already blessed with individual brilliance.

Barbra Banda remains Zambia’s biggest weapon

At the centre of Zambia’s hopes is captain and star forward Barbra Banda, one of the most recognised players in African football.

The Orlando Pride striker has established herself as one of the leading forwards in the National Women’s Soccer League and will return to international action after recovering from a hip injury suffered late last year.

Known for her power, pace and clinical finishing, Banda remains the player Zambia will rely on when moments of pressure arrive.

Alongside Kundananji, she gives the Copper Queens one of the most feared attacking partnerships in the tournament.

Contenders with experience and ambition

Zambia’s preparations for Morocco 2026 have included tests against some of the world’s strongest teams, including South Korea, Brazil and Canada.

Those encounters have provided valuable lessons and helped the squad measure themselves against elite opposition. A positive result against South Korea further boosted confidence ahead of the tournament.

With a proven attacking duo, an experienced squad and a coach capable of bringing tactical balance, Zambia enter the Women’s AFCON as genuine contenders.

The Copper Queens have already rewritten parts of their football history. In Morocco, they will aim to complete the next chapter by lifting the continental trophy for the first time.