Copper Princesses midfielder Jessica Choolwe Johnson will miss Zambia’s trip to Rwanda for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Head coach Carol Kanyemba said Johnson’s club, Aston Villa, confirmed she is unavailable due to upcoming school examinations in England.
“We have been informed by Aston Villa that Jessica will not be able to join the team in time for the first leg in Kigali,” Kanyemba told FAZ Media.
Kanyemba said the technical bench will not replace Johnson but will work with the 35 players that are currently in camp.
Johnson has been balancing school and football.
Zambia will face Rwanda in the first leg on April 17, 2026, in Kigali while the return leg will be played in Ndola on April 22, 2026 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
