The Zambia U-17 Women’s National Team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday afternoon after thrashing DR Congo 5-0 in the first leg of the second round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
A sensational hat-trick from Natasha Kasema, together with goals from Grace “Pogba” Phiri and substitute Blessings Mutale, handed the Copper Princesses a huge advantage ahead of next weekend’s return leg in Lubumbashi.
The dominant display puts Zambia in a strong position to progress to the final round of the qualifiers.
Fast Start From Zambia
The Copper Princesses began the match brightly but were briefly tested during the opening stages.
Goalkeeper Bukata Kakumbi produced an important early save to deny DR Congo before Zambia gradually took full control of the contest.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 23rd minute when Grace “Pogba” Phiri fired Zambia into the lead following a lively attacking spell from the hosts.
The goal lifted the atmosphere inside Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as Zambia continued to pile pressure on the visitors.
Kasema Takes Over
Natasha Kasema doubled Zambia’s advantage four minutes before halftime after calmly converting from the penalty spot.
The penalty was awarded after Faith Kaunda was brought down inside the area following another dangerous attacking move from Zambia.
Kasema returned after the break determined to make an even bigger impact.
Just five minutes into the second half, the forward struck again with a brilliant long-range effort that left the DR Congo goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal made it 3-0 and further highlighted Zambia’s dominance.
Hat-Trick Hero
Kasema completed her outstanding hat-trick in the 64th minute with a close-range finish as the Copper Princesses continued overwhelming the visitors.
Her movement, finishing, and confidence in attack caused constant problems for the DR Congo defence throughout the match.
The hat-trick performance now places the striker among the standout players of the qualifying campaign so far.
Late Goal Caps Off Dominant Victory
Substitute Blessings Mutale added further gloss to the scoreline deep into stoppage time after Fridah Ndashe won another penalty for Zambia.
The late strike completed a comprehensive 5-0 victory and gave the Copper Princesses a massive cushion heading into the second leg.
Focus Shifts to Lubumbashi
The return leg will take place on May 31 at Frederic Kibassa Maliba Stadium in Lubumbashi.
The aggregate winner between Zambia and DR Congo will advance to the final round of qualifying, where they will face either Ethiopia or Burundi.
Ethiopia are scheduled to host Burundi in the first leg of their tie in Addis Ababa.
Full Time
Zambia 5-0 DR Congo
⚽ Grace “Pogba” Phiri 23’
⚽ Natasha Kasema 41’ (pen), 50’, 64’
⚽ Blessings Mutale 90+6’
Conclusion
The Copper Princesses delivered one of their most impressive performances in recent memory as they overwhelmed DR Congo in Ndola.
With Natasha Kasema leading the charge through a brilliant hat-trick, Zambia now heads into the second leg full of confidence and firmly in control of the tie.
If the Copper Princesses maintain this level of performance, a place in the final qualifying round looks increasingly within reach.
