Striker Barbara Banda of Shanghai Shengli in China is set to miss Zambia’s two international women’s friendly games against hosts Colombia.
Zambia will face fellow 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finalists Colombia on November 12 and 15 in Cali.
But the China-based striker is not part of Bruce Mwape’s provisional 32-member team named on Friday that goes into camp in Lusaka.
BARBARA BANDA UNAVAILABLE
“Skipper Barbra Banda is unavailable for the November FIFA Window following Covid-19 restrictions in China that demand prolonged quarantine,” FAZ spokesperson Sydney Mungala said in a statement.
“Shanghai Shengli had allowed Banda to be part of the WAFCON (although she did not play) and Cosafa tournaments before returning to her base.”
Mungala said Banda is expected to feature in next year’s other pre-tournament engagements ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand will co-host from July 20- August 20, 2023.
Meanwhile, Mwape has summoned six foreign-based players including the Spain-based trio of Grace Chanda and the two Rachels: Nachula and Kundananji.
Nachula is expected to end her two-year exile from the team that saw her miss both the 2020 Olympics and 2022 WAFCON due to technical reasons.
Chanda is expected to captain Zambia against Colombia during Banda’s absence.
All the foreign-based players will join the team in transit to Colombia from their respective clubs.
Zambia will be making their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut and are in Group C where they will battle Spain, Japan and Co,sta Rica in Auckland.
FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Leticia Lungu (Zesco Girls), Catherine Musonda (Indeni Roses), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Spor Kalubu, Turkey), Agness Banda (National Assembly)
DEFENDERS: Esther Banda (BUSA), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Siamfuko (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Elite Ladies), Vast Phiri (Zesco Girls), Bertha Imponene (Police Doves), Margaret Belemu (Hakkarigucu Spor-Turkey), Judith Soko (Yasa Girls), Elizabeth Nachivula, Mary Mulenga (both Red Arrows)
MIDFIELDERS: Evarine Katongo (ZISD), Ireene Lungu (Green Buffaloes), Susan Banda, Mary Mambwe, Mary Wilombe (all Red Arrows), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Girls), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Eneless Phiri (Police Doves), Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey), Siomala Mapepa (Elite Ladies), Grace Chanda (Madrid CFF, Spain)
STRIKERS: Ochumba Oseke Lubandji (Red Arrows), Prisca Chilufya (Red Arrows), Rachael Nachula (Zaragoza CFF, Spain), Rachael Kundananji (Madrid CFF, Spain)
