The Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team, the Young Copper Queens, will this afternoon face Uganda in the second leg of the third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, as the race to reach Poland 2026 intensifies.
Kick-off is set for 15:00 hours at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, with the tie to be decided over two legs.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw with the overall winner on aggregate advancing to the fourth and final round of qualification.
The Young Copper Queens are chasing history as Zambia has never qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup
Expected Line-ups and Tactical Outlook
Goalkeeper Mwila Mufunte is expected to start between the posts, with Margaret Gondwe likely to partner Jessy Zulu or Precious Mwape at the heart of defence. Lwendo Hanongo and Saliya Mwanza are tipped to operate from the full-back positions.
In midfield, Blessings Zangose Zulu who missed the first leg due to a knock could return and line up alongside Mapalo Maluba, Bupe Banda, and Lubasi Pumulo with Natasha Kasema and Natasha Nkaka available for selection.
Upfront, Zambia are expected to rely on the attacking trio of Grace “Pogba” Phiri, Edith Phiri and Mercy Chipasula to lead the charge.
Uganda will be captained by Agnes Nabukenya, assisted by Barbra Anomo and Lilian Nakiirya.
Road to Poland 2026
The winner of the Zambia–Uganda tie will progress to the final qualification round, where they will face either Ghana or South Africa for a place at the World Cup.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be hosted in Poland from 5 to 27 September 2026, with Africa set to be represented by four nations.
For the Young Copper Queens, the journey continues this afternoon — with history firmly within reach.
