Zambia’s Copper Princesses ended their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™ campaign without a point after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in their final Group D match on Saturday.
A first-half strike from Lea Motyka proved decisive as France secured second place in the group and confirmed Zambia’s elimination following a third consecutive defeat at the tournament.
The Copper Princesses had opened their campaign with a heavy 5-0 loss to Japan before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Venezuela, leaving them needing a strong performance against France to finish their maiden group-stage campaign on a positive note.
However, Zambia were unable to find a way past the French defence, with Motyka’s 16th-minute goal separating the sides.
France took the lead after Maelys Ane made a driving run down the left flank before delivering a cross into the penalty area. Zambia failed to clear their lines, allowing the ball to fall to Motyka, who calmly finished to give Les Bleuettes the advantage.
France almost doubled their lead shortly afterwards when a cleverly worked corner found Sharlie Yerro unmarked inside the box, but she failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
The French side maintained control after the break, managing the game effectively to protect their slender lead and secure all three points.
Ane was named Player of the Match for her influential performance, which included the assist for the decisive goal.
The victory ensured France finished second in Group D and advanced to the round of 16, where they will face either the United States or China PR.
For Zambia, the defeat brought an underwhelming campaign to a close, with the Copper Princesses unable to register a point despite scoring twice against Venezuela in their second outing.
Coach Carol Kanyemba’s side will now turn their attention to regrouping and building on the experience gained from competing on the global stage as they look ahead to future international assignments.
