The Brave Gladiators are gearing up for a crucial showdown against Zambia in the second round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfcon) qualifiers.

The first leg is set for 22 October at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg, followed by the return leg on 26 October in Ndola, Zambia. 

The tie will determine which side secures a spot at the continental showpiece in Morocco.

Brave Gladiators head coach Lucky Kakuva has announced his final squad following an intense three-week training camp, where players’ readiness was thoroughly assessed.

His side will face a formidable Zambian team coached by Nora Häuptle. 

The coach has named a balanced squad of local and foreign-based players. 

Zambia will, however, be without their star forward Barbra Banda due to injury.

Senior player Lovisa Mulungu expressed confidence in her team’s preparation.  

She said the squad has shown great commitment throughout the training camp. 

“The coaches have set out a clear game plan against Zambia. That’s what we aim to execute. I strongly believe we can deliver a strong performance against our counterparts,” she added.

The Gladiators reached this stage after defeating Eswatini with an aggregate score of 4-0, winning 3-0 away and 1-0 at ‘home’ in Johannesburg. 

They now seek to avenge their 2022 elimination at the hands of Zambia when the Copper Queens advanced on away goals after the two-leg tie ended 1-1.

Following the WAfcon qualifiers, the Gladiators will also compete in the Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa next month.

The winner of the Namibia-Zambia tie will book a place at the 2026 WAfcon in Morocco, where the top four teams will automatically qualify for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

-Additional information by FAZ 

Brave Gladiators squad:

Goalkeepers: Melissa Matheus, Lydia Eixas and Joyce Narises.

Defenders: Utuzuvira Kahiriri, Iina Katuta, Lovisa Mulunga, Emma Naris, Lorraine Jossob, Julia Rutjindo and Ottonika Nanamus.

Midfielders: Asteria Angula, Memory Ngonda, Hilma Kanyama, Twelikondjele Amukoto, Millicent Hikuam and Thomalina Adams.

Forwards:Zenatha Coleman, Ivone Kooper, Juliana Blou, Nancy Lebang, Leena Alweendo, Kamutuua Hanavi and Veweziwa Kotjipati.

Copper Queens squad: 

Goalkeepers: Chishala Mufunte, Hazel Nali and Catherine Musonda.

Defenders: Margaret Belemu, Blessing Maluba, Xiomara Mapepa, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Rachael Nachula, Memory Nthala and Pauline Zulu.

Midfielders: Susan Banda, Mary Wilombe, Grace Chanda, Evarine Katongo, Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe and Ireen Lungu.

Strikers: Ngosa Chabwe, Regina Chanda, Prisca Chilufya, Racheal Kundananji, Penelope Mulubwa, Kabange Mupopo and Eneles Phiri.