Copper Princesses head coach Carol Kanyemba says Zambia still has plenty of work to do despite securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in the first leg of the final round of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Goals from Precious Mwewa and substitute Phidah Mazuwa handed Zambia a narrow advantage at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, but Ethiopia’s away goal means the tie remains finely balanced ahead of next weekend’s decisive return leg in Addis Ababa.
The winner over two legs will qualify for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Kanyemba Remains Focused
Speaking after the match, Kanyemba welcomed the victory but admitted the job is only half done.
“Thanks to God for the victory though it is a slim victory. We have a lot of work when we go away,” Kanyemba said.
The Green Buffaloes Women’s FC assistant coach revealed that Zambia will approach the second leg with discipline and maturity, insisting the team will do whatever is required to secure qualification.
“We will go there ready to protect our lead. If the game demands it, we will settle for a goalless draw.”
She also admitted the Copper Princesses had hoped to keep a clean sheet in the opening leg.
“The good part is we got the goals. Our aim was to keep a clean sheet but football being what it is, it had to happen like that.”
Zambia Edge Competitive Ethiopia
Ethiopia started brightly and enjoyed long spells of possession during the opening exchanges but struggled to break down Zambia’s defence.
The Copper Princesses struck first in the 14th minute when Precious Mwewa arrived inside the box to convert Elizabeth Mofya’s inviting low cross.
The visitors remained composed and found a deserved equaliser five minutes before half-time through Ayele Mihret, whose superb free-kick flew over the wall and beyond goalkeeper Bukata Kakumbi.
Zambia responded positively after the break, with substitute Phidah Mazuwa making an immediate impact by heading home Faith Kaunda’s dangerous cross in the 54th minute.
The hosts searched for a third goal while Ethiopia continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Mihret coming close again midway through the second half.
However, Zambia held firm to preserve their one-goal advantage heading into the return fixture.
One Match Away from History
The Copper Princesses now travel to Ethiopia knowing that avoiding defeat will be enough to secure qualification for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Should Zambia progress, it would mark the country’s third appearance at the global tournament after qualifying for the 2024 and 2025 editions.
The 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November, with 24 nations competing for the title.
Conclusion
Although Zambia holds the advantage after the first leg, Carol Kanyemba has made it clear that the Copper Princesses cannot afford to relax.
With a place at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup on the line, the team will travel to Addis Ababa determined to complete the job and continue Zambia’s impressive rise in women’s youth football.
