Copper Queens striker Barbara Banda will miss the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations which is set to kick off on Saturday 2 July, 2022.

According to a statement from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Banda will not be part of the competition due to medical reasons.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released final squad lists ahead of the tournament.

“FAZ wishes to provide a squad update for the Copper Queens that open their account on Sunday in a Group B match against the indomitable lionesses of Cameroon,” reads the statement.

Zambia will be without Ochumba Oseke and Siomala Mapepa for the opening match due to suspension while skipper Barbra Banda will be unavailable for medical reasons.Oseke and Mapepa will miss out due to accumulated cards during the qualification process.

“Outside the three players, everything else is fine with the team looking forward to the opening match against Cameroon on Sunday. We urge the public to fully support the team as it lifts our national flag high,” said FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala.

Zambia plays Cameroon on Sunday before facing Tunisia on July 6 and wind up their Group B campaign three days later against Togo.
Top four teams at the 12-nation tournament will automatically qualify to the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Australia/New Zealand.

FINAL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

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

(DEFENDERS)

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

(MIDFIELDERS)

Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigucu Spur-Turkey), Evarine Katongo (ZISD), Ireen Lungu, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Esther Banda, Maweta Chilenga (both BUSA), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Girls)

(STRIKERS)

Ochumba Oseke (Red Arrows), Grace Chanda (Biik Shyyehp-Kazakhstan), Siomala Mapepa (Lusaka Dynamos), Noria Sosala (Indeni).