Women's World Cup: Siamfuko, Mulenga not in Zambia's 23-player squad

Zambia coach Bruce Mwape has left out top players Esther Siamfuko and Anita Mulenga from their 23-strong squad for the Women's World Cup to be held in New Zeland and Australia later this month.

Coach Mwape unveiled the list of 23 players on Tuesday and the squad will be headlined and led by captain Barbara Banda who has been in blistering form for both club and country.

The selected players will proudly represent the Copper Queens on the grand stage of international women's football.

Zambia will etch its name in history on July 22nd as its senior women's team takes part in a FIFA-organized Women's World Cup for the very first time with the selected players celebrating this feat.

Among the notable absences from the squad is Siamfuko, the skilled defender from Green Buffaloes, who previously showcased her talent in the Tokyo Olympics and the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

Zambia secured their place in the Women's World Cup by finishing third in that tournament.

Another absence is Mulenga, who played a crucial role as a starter in the match against Nigeria during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations and also featured in the classification game.

Coach Mwape will rely on his key players to lead the team, including the captain, Barbra Banda, who made history as the first player to score consecutive hat-tricks in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament.

The vice-captain and goalkeeper, Hazel Nali who showcased her exceptional skills in the previous CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, will add strength to the Zambian squad.

Drawn into Group C, the Copper Queens will commence their campaign against Japan, followed by matches against Spain and Costa Rica.

Zambia's participation in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup marks a significant milestone for women's football in the country.

The 23 Zambian players selected for the Women's World Cup are:

Goalkeepers:

• Catherine Musonda
• Eunice Sakala
• Hazel Nali

Defenders:

• Magaret Belemu
• Martha Tembo
• Lushomo Mweemba
• Agness Musesa
• Esther Banda
• Judith Soko
• Mary Mulenga
• Vast Phiri

Midfielders:

• Evarine Katongo
• Ireen Lungu
• Helen Chanda
• Mary Wilombe
• Susan Banda
• Avell Chitundu

Forwards:

• Barbra Banda
• Xiomara Mapepa
• Rachael Kundananji
• Grace Chanda
• Ochumba Lubanji
• Hellen Mubanga

Zambia's Women's World Cup Schedule:

July 22, 2023

Zambia vs. Japan, kick-off at 8:00 AM (Lusaka time), Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand

July 26, 2023

Spain vs. Zambia, kick-off at 8:30 AM (Lusaka time), Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

July 31, 2023

Costa Rica vs. Zambia, kick-off at 8:00 AM (Lusaka time), Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand