The local contingent of the Copper Queens returned home this (Friday) morning following a spirited showing at the 2025 Yongchuan International Tournament held in Chongqing, China.
The players and technical bench touched down at 09h05 via Qatar Airways, while foreign-based players connected directly to their respective bases from China.
Zambia finished third at the four-nation invitational tournament, which featured hosts China PR, Thailand and Uzbekistan.
The Copper Queens representation was part of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be held in Morocco this July.
At the tournament in China, the Copper Queens played two matches, registering a narrow 3-2 defeat to Thailand in the opener, before bouncing back in style to beat Uzbekistan 4-3 in the third-place playoff.
Goals from Ireen Lungu, Mercy Chipasula, Fridah Mukoma and Kabange Mupopo secured the bronze medal and capped a strong finish for coach Nora Häuptle’s side.
The team also had the opportunity to engage with Zambians based in China, with the Association of Zambian Students in China (AZSIC) and members of the Zambian community turning up in numbers to support the team at the Yongchuan Sports Centre Stadium.
Credit – FAZ