Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team captain Taonga Mubanga leads a 35-member provisional squad named by coach Carol Kanyemba for next month’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Mubanga, who was part of Zambia’s squad at the previous World Cup, is among four players with previous tournament experience included in Kanyemba’s provisional group.
She is joined by fellow returning players Esther Ngabwe, Grace Phiri and Beatrice Njobvu, as Kanyemba begins the final phase of preparations for Zambia’s third consecutive appearance at the global tournament.
The Copper Princesses will enter a long-haul training camp this weekend, with the programme set to culminate in a pre-tournament international camp.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has already facilitated regular weekly camps, allowing Kanyemba and her technical bench to cast their net across the country in search of talent.
Kanyemba has guided Zambia to an unprecedented three consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearances, having secured qualification for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions.
Zambia are among five African nations at this year’s 24-team tournament and have been drawn in Group D alongside Japan, Venezuela and France.
The Copper Princesses will open their campaign against Japan on 18 October, before facing Venezuela three days later. They will complete their group-stage campaign against France on 24 October, Zambia’s Independence Day.
The tournament will run from 17 October to 7 November 2026 in Morocco.
Zambia U-17 provisional squad
Goalkeepers:
Mary Nyangu (Yasa Queens), Bukata Kakumbi (Police Doves Queens), Winifridah Mutale (Elite Ladies), Descent Mbewe (National Assembly), Carol Mweetwa (Barts Queens).
Defenders:
Josephine Change (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Tabitha Nyirenda (ZedPro Academy), Esther Ngabwe, Gift Mazimba, Faith Kaunda (both Elite Ladies), Susan Mulungwa (Green Eagles), Chricencia Phiri (Red Arrows), Ethel Njobvu (Young Green Buffaloes), Salome Nalwimba (Sporting Doves), Beauty Chibuye (Lunchu Queens), Luswepo Mulwanda (Luyando Sporting), Elizabeth Nkhoma (Kummawa Stars).
Midfielders:
Taonga Mubanga (Captain), Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Veronica Phiri (Yasa Queens), Gift Ng’uni, Fridah Ndashe (both Power Dynamos), Precious Mwewa, Dorcas Mulosha (both Candice Girls Academy), Lillian Mwenda, Agnes Mwaka, Faith Kapilingo (all Elite Ladies), Nang’andu Hakayobe (Barts Queens), Blessings Mutale (Young Green Buffaloes).
Strikers:
Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Prodia Mwiinga (Choma Warriors), Phidah Muzuwa (Elite Ladies), Elizabeth Mofya (Green Buffaloes), Beatrice Njobvu (Red Arrows), Beatrice Chipumpula (Aguila Stars).
