By Bola Yapa Zed | 25th October, 2025
Zambia’s Copper Princesses have made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for the very first time after a stunning 4–0 victory over New Zealand in Morocco. The emphatic win saw coach Carol Kanyemba’s side advance as one of the best third-placed teams — a monumental achievement that underlines the growth and promise of Zambian women’s football at youth level.
After back-to-back defeats to Paraguay (2–1) and Japan (2–0), the Copper Princesses entered their final group game knowing that only a convincing win would keep their World Cup hopes alive. And they responded in style.
Victoria Mbali opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a sensational solo effort — chesting the ball on the edge of the box, dancing past her marker, and curling a beauty beyond the New Zealand goalkeeper. Just before halftime, captain Mercy Chipasula doubled Zambia’s lead with a thunderous strike from 20 yards that crashed off the crossbar and into the net.
In the second half, the Copper Princesses continued to press forward with confidence and flair. Masela Sekeseke made it 3–0 in the 68th minute with a composed right-footed finish before Grace Phiri’s shot in the 80th minute deflected off defender Harriet Muller for an own goal to complete the 4–0 rout.
The performance showcased Zambia’s resilience and tactical maturity — a complete turnaround from their earlier matches. It also marked their first-ever clean sheet at the tournament, a testament to improved defensive organization and composure from the young side.
Head coach Carol Kanyemba has now etched her name into Zambian football history books. She becomes the first female coach to guide a Zambian national team — male or female — to the knockout stage of a World Cup at any level. Speaking after the match, an emotional Kanyemba credited her players’ belief and determination.
“It’s the best feeling. I want to thank God who made it possible for the girls to have strength, to have concentration, and to get us our first clean sheet,” said Kanyemba. “The girls put in their all, and the result shows what you get from hard work and focus. This is a big lesson for the team.”
The Copper Princesses’ reward for their historic achievement is a Round of 16 clash against Canada on Wednesday. While the North American side presents a formidable challenge, Zambia will take confidence from their remarkable performance and the momentum built in their final group match.
A victory would not only extend their record-breaking run but also solidify Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s most promising forces in women’s football development.
The Copper Princesses’ qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 is a defining moment for Zambia. From early heartbreak to redemption and triumph, the young girls have shown that belief, discipline, and teamwork can defy the odds. As they prepare for their clash with Canada, Zambia stands tall on the global stage — with history already made and dreams of going even further still alive.
