The Zambia U17 Women’s National team, the Copper Princesses will be looking to have a bright start in the first leg of their third and final 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
The COSAFA giants will welcome Ethiopia in the first leg this afternoon at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium tomorrow.
Head coach Carol Kanyemba says the team has enjoyed a productive preparation period, with the technical bench declaring the girls ready ahead of the decisive qualifier.
“We have been preparing the team for two weeks and a few days. This is our third camp. The first camp was tricky, the second helped the players get to know each other, and this third camp has been about building consistency and proper coordination within the team,” Kanyemba said.
“Since 2024, we have learnt the importance of winning at home and not conceding. In most cases, when you start at home, it is best to score enough goals and try by all means not to concede because you do not know how things will change when you go away. Teams can change players, and away matches are always different,” she added.
Copper Princesses captain Taonga Mubanga says the players understand the importance of taking a healthy advantage into the return leg. Mubanga said the team wants to produce a comprehensive victory at home to make the away fixture less difficult,
Kanyemba is expected to deploy a string starting XI with Natasha Kasema at the centre of it after her heroics against DR Congo. She is expected to partner the captain Taonga Mubanga and Precious Mwewa.
Upfront Grace ‘Pogba’ Phiri is expected to lead the charge with Faith Kaunda at left back providing calm, stability and some great panache.
Bukata Kakumbi will be expected to start between the sticks while new call up Asher Mwamba of Brighton and Hove Albion could make her debut.
Other notable names in the squad include Gift Chisha Mazimba, Elizabeth Mofya, Dorcas Mulosha, Christine Mwale, Phidah Muzuwa, Lilian Mwaba and Faith Kajiya Kapilingo.
Zambia thrashed DR Congo 7-0 on aggregate to set up this meeting with Ethiopia who saw off Burundi 4-2 in their tie.
The Copper Princesses are looking to secure a third World Cup qualification having made it to the 2024 and 2025 editions.
Tickets are selling on the FAZ Tech Pay platform with early purchases attracting a discount for fans at K15 (South, North and East), K40 (West) and K80 (VIP).
Get your tickets by clicking on this link: https://faz.techpay.co.zm/events/22
The tenth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026, with 24 sides set to battle it out to be crowned as global champions.
