Zambian NWSL players delayed by U.S. Ebola travel protocols

Three Zambian players in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are unable to return to the United States following international duty due to U.S. public health re-entry protocols related to the Ebola outbreak.

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Racheal Kundananji (Chicago Stars), and Prisca Chilufya (Angel City) participated in a two-legged Olympic qualification series against Uganda earlier this month. Because the first match took place in Uganda, which has seen Ebola cases, the players must observe a 21-day waiting or quarantine period required for travelers returning from the East African region.

The NWSL stated that the players are in excellent health and that the league is coordinating with clubs and U.S. immigration to facilitate their safe return. The absence of these players occurs as the NWSL approaches the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.