The Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team has safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of Sunday’s decisive second leg of the final round of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Copper Princesses departed Lusaka on Thursday and touched down at Bole International Airport at exactly 20:28 local time (19:28 Zambian time), where they will now complete their preparations for one of the biggest matches in the team’s history.
Zambia heads into the return leg carrying a 2-1 first-leg advantage after edging Ethiopia in Ndola.
Focus Turns to Sunday’s Decider
With the journey completed, head coach Carol Kanyemba and her technical bench will now shift their full attention to Sunday’s all-important encounter.
The Copper Princesses need only avoid defeat to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Morocco.
The return fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 12 July 2026, with a place on the world stage at stake.
Chasing History
Zambia is aiming to qualify for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the third consecutive edition, having already featured at the 2024 and 2025 tournaments.
A positive result in Addis Ababa would further cement the Copper Princesses’ reputation as one of Africa’s leading youth women’s football teams.
After a disciplined performance in the first leg, the team will be hoping to finish the job and book another appearance at the global showpiece.
Conclusion
With the Copper Princesses now safely in Ethiopia, all eyes turn to Sunday’s decisive clash against the hosts.
Just 90 minutes separate Zambia from another historic FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualification, and Carol Kanyemba’s side will be determined to seize the opportunity.
