The Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team, the Young Copper Queens, will this afternoon face Uganda in the first 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 FUFA Stadium in Kampala, with the tie to be decided over two legs. The return fixture will be played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on 14 February 2026, with the aggregate winner advancing to the fourth and final round of qualification.
Mwila Confident as Zambia Settle in Kampala
Zambia head coach Florence Mwila says her side is well prepared and focused after settling quickly in Uganda ahead of the crucial encounter.
Mwila revealed that the mood in camp is positive and that the players have adapted well to conditions in Kampala.
“Well, we know that they are physical and fast, but we’ve planned in a way that we’ll be able to handle the pressure that they come with. And definitely, we’ve strategised on how we’re going to play this game.” said Mwila.
The Young Copper Queens are chasing history as Zambia has never qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, a reality Mwila admits initially placed pressure on the squad.
“In the beginning, the need to qualify affected the players, but now it has helped to push them because they want to be part of the history as in the group that qualified the team to the World Cup. They really want this and the pressure has since been converted to motivation.” she said.
Mwila also praised the unity within the squad, noting that new and returning players have blended seamlessly into the team’s philosophy. She confirmed that the entire squad has received a clean bill of health, with all players fit and available for selection.
Zangose Zulu Targets Goals and Clean Sheet
Team captain Blessings Zangose Zulu echoed the coach’s confidence, stressing the importance of scoring goals away from home while maintaining defensive discipline.
“It’s very important because we just want to score as many goals as we can and keep a clean sheet. Yes, we were very much prepared. For me, what I can say is that the coaches have already done their part and it’s up to us to finish it. To play as a team and focus on one goal. There is no pressure. We are very much confident that we will qualify for the World Cup.”
The skipper also sent a message to Zambian fans, calling for continued support.
“To the fans, they should keep supporting us and always have courage and determination and I promise that we will do our level best to give them good news and deliver to them what they want.”
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, skipper Blessings Zangose Zulu is expected to line up alongside Mapalo Maluba and Natasha Nkaka, while Bupe Banda, Natasha Kasema and Lubasi Pumulo are all 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 Ready for Battle
Uganda head coach Sheryl Botes says her side is eager to finally get the tie underway after weeks of preparation.
‘The confidence is good and the girls are excited. At some point it starts feeling like it’s taking too long — now we just want to play. Everyone wants to win,’ she said.
Uganda will be captained by Agnes Nabukenya, assisted by Barbra Anomo and Lilian Nakiirya. Nabukenya expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness for the third-round showdown.
‘All the players are ready. The coaches have given us everything we need to compete and aim for victory, with God’s help,’ Nabukenya said.
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.
