Zambian NWSL players must wait to return from international duty

Three Zambian players for National Women's Soccer League teams are currently unable to return to the United States after participating in an international match in Uganda, due to U.S. travel protocols related to the Ebola outbreak. Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride, Racheal Kundananji of Chicago Stars, and Prisca Chilufya of Angel City played in a match on October 8.

The NWSL announced that the players are observing public health re-entry protocols for travelers returning from the East African region. The NWSL and U.S. immigration are working to ensure the players' safe return, and all players are reported to be in excellent health. Zambia played a two-legged series against Uganda as part of qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics earlier this month.

The first match was held in Uganda, where there were 20 confirmed Ebola cases that summer. Zambia lost 2-1 in the first match in Kampala but won the second leg 4-1, advancing 5-3 on aggregate. The absence of these players is crucial for the NWSL season, with only two regular-season games remaining before the playoffs. The U.S. has imposed a 21-day quarantine period for travelers who have been in Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to the Ebola outbreak.

The current outbreak was declared in mid-May after spreading in a remote part of eastern Congo. Zambia's Health Ministry recently reported 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths from the virus. Last week, Kenya reported its second case of an Ebola importation from Congo.