Helen Chanda says she is thrilled to be back in Zambia’s camp ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the Copper Queens determined to make a statement despite landing in one of the tournament’s most demanding groups.

The Orlando Pride midfielder, who has become an important figure in Zambia’s setup, said her return follows a spell out through injury that limited her recent international involvement. She described the mood in camp as upbeat, with the squad putting in the work given what’s on the line at this tournament.

Zambia have been drawn in Group B alongside nine time champions Nigeria, Egypt, and Malawi, widely regarded as one of the most competitive groups at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.

The Copper Queens arrive with real momentum behind them, having established themselves as one of the fastest improving women’s football nations on the continent in recent years. They finished third at the 2022 WAFCON and went on to qualify for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, a breakthrough that has raised expectations heading into this campaign.

With attacking talents like Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and Grace Chanda expected to lead the line, Zambia will be hoping to push for a maiden continental title in Morocco. Chanda acknowledged that every team at this year’s tournament has raised its level, but said the squad believes it has the quality to compete with the continent’s best.