Zambia’s women’s national team, the Shepolopolo, will stage a four-team friendly mini-tournament as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Key takeaways
- Zambia will host a four-nation preparatory event before the 2026 WAFCON.
- The competition is scheduled for Lusaka from June 6 to June 9.
- Zimbabwe, Kenya and Burkina Faso are set to be among the invited teams.
- Zambia has been placed in Group B for WAFCON alongside Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi.
- The setup is expected to sharpen Zambia’s readiness for a demanding tournament opener in Morocco.
Preparations in Lusaka ahead of Morocco
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed that the preparatory mini-tournament will be held at Lusaka in the period leading up to WAFCON, running from June 6 through June 9. The event will bring together Zambia and three other national sides: Zimbabwe, Kenya and Burkina Faso.
WAFCON group draw adds extra intensity
With the WAFCON draw already completed, Zambia’s Shepolopolo have landed in a tough Group B. They will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Egypt and Malawi as the tournament gets underway in Morocco.
By arranging this kind of focused preparation, Zambia’s coaching staff can further test their squad against varied styles ahead of the high-stakes group phase. That approach also suggests that Nigeria may encounter a well-prepared and physically competitive Zambian team once WAFCON begins, given Zambia’s recent momentum on the international stage.
Zambia’s continued rise in women’s football has been underlined by their standout performances globally, reinforcing their growing status as one of Africa’s fastest-improving teams. With the mini-tournament now confirmed, the Shepolopolo will look to carry that momentum into the WAFCON build-up and beyond.
