ZAMBIA U20 Women’s National Team head coach Charity Nthala has named a strong 34-member provisional squad ahead of the crucial FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Burundi, set for September 19 and 27.
The squad, announced this week, sees the return of the core group that recently lifted the COSAFA U20 crown, as Zambia eyes a historic first-ever appearance at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2026.
The team has since regrouped in Lusaka to kick-start the first phase of preparations, with training intensifying as the date for the second-round doubleheader draws closer.
The tie against Burundi marks the beginning of a demanding four-round qualification path to the global stage.Zambia will play the first leg at home before traveling for the return leg.
The winner of the tie will advance to the third round to face either Uganda or Namibia.
The qualification route does not get easier, with the eventual third-round winners set for a final play-off against one of the teams emerging from the Togo vs Tunisia and Ghana vs Eswatini/South Africa fixtures.
Only two African nations will earn tickets to the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Full provisional squad are Goalkeepers Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Mary Nyangu (YASA), Loveness Chingwele (MUZA) and Abigail Chinguse (Konkola Blades)Defenders Esther Musialela, Justina Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Margaret Gondwe, Jessy Zulu (both Green Buffaloes), Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Luty Kamanga (YASA), Fridah Mbao (Pataaki Queens), Eunice Mutonyi (Police Doves), Kampamba Mulenga (Nchanga Queens) and Mwaziona Sakala (Red Arrows)Midfielders Bupe Banda, Masela Sekeseke (both Red Arrows), Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Pumulo Lubasi, Blessings Zangose (both Zanaco Ladies), Eunice Bwalya, Harriet Matipa (both YASA), Gift Chilwizhi (Kamfinsa), Naomi Banda (Kwacha Queens), Brenda Mwewa, Barbra Chewe, Tricia Mabamba (all Nchanga Rangers Queens) and Ireen Mweemba (Marvelous Girls).
Strikers Jessy Bwalya (Nkwazi Queens), Angela Galufu (Kamfinsa), Mary Mbewe (Zesco Ndola Girls), Ruth Muwowo (Amazing Grace Academy), Chisola Ng’andu (Konkola Blades Queens) ,Edith Phiri (Indeni Roses Queens) and Carol Nsondo (Choma Warriors)