Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team head coach Carol Kanyemba has named a 35-member provisional squad ahead of the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Copper Princesses will face Ethiopia in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for July 4 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola before the return fixture a week later in Addis Ababa.
Asher Mwamba Receives Maiden Call-Up
The biggest talking point from Kanyemba’s squad is the inclusion of England-based midfielder Asher Mwamba, who has earned her first call-up to the national team setup.
Mwamba, who is attached to Brighton & Hove Albion, joins a squad that largely retains the players who helped Zambia eliminate DR Congo in the previous round.
Her inclusion adds another exciting dimension to a talented midfield unit as Zambia pushes for another appearance on the world stage.
Familiar Faces Return
Kanyemba has maintained faith in the core group that has carried Zambia through the qualification campaign.
Key players such as Natasha Kasema, Taonga Mubanga, Precious Mwewa and Lillian Mwenda have all retained their places following impressive performances in recent matches.
Kasema, who starred against DR Congo, is expected to once again play a leading role in Zambia’s attack.
History Within Reach
The Copper Princesses are aiming to secure a third consecutive qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Zambia has become one of Africa’s strongest nations at youth level in recent years and another qualification would further cement that reputation.
Standing in their way is an Ethiopian side equally determined to make history.
Ethiopia Preparing Intensively
Ethiopia booked their place in the final qualifying round after overcoming Burundi and have already stepped up preparations for the crucial encounter.
The East Africans entered camp on June 3 and recently played Uganda in a friendly match that ended 3-3 in Addis Ababa.
The result highlighted both Ethiopia’s attacking quality and defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their clash with Zambia.
Unlike Zambia, Ethiopia are chasing a first-ever qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Mary Nyangu (Yassa Queens), Decent Mbewe (National Assembly), Bukata Kakumbi (Police DOVES), Carol Mweetwa (Barts Queens), Deborah Phiri (Canaan Sports Foundation)
DEFENDERS: Josephine Change (Nchanga Queens), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro Academy), Esther Ngabwe, Gift Mazimba (both Elite Ladies), Tabitha Nyirenda (Driven Queens), Susan Mulungwa (Green Eagles), Chricencia Phiri (Radar Queens), Hope Makwaza (Victorious United), Ethel Njobvu (Young Buffaloes), Salome Nalwimba (Sporting Doves)
MIDFIELDERS: Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Taonga Mubanga (Yassa Queens), Asher Mwamba (Brighton & Hove Albion-England), Fridah Ndashe (Power Dynamos Queens), Precious Mwewa, Dorcas Mulosha (both Candice Girls Academy), Christina Mwale (Misisi Academy), Faith Kapilingo, Agness Mwaka, Lillian Mwenda (all Elite Ladies), Astridah Musonda (Lunchu Queens), Fatima Chulu (Nampundwe Queens)
STRIKERS: Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Prodia Mwiinga (Choma Warriors), Phidah Mazuwa (Elite Ladies), Elizabeth Mofya (Green Buffaloes), Melody Yeenga (Zesco Ndola Girls), Sharon Lweendo (Ingwe Girls), Beatrice Chipupula (Aguila Stars), Agness Ondya (Young Green Buffaloes)
Conclusion
With a World Cup place at stake, Zambia and Ethiopia are set for a fascinating showdown next month.
The Copper Princesses will be hoping home advantage in Ndola, combined with the quality of their squad and the addition of Asher Mwamba, can help them move one step closer to a historic third straight appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
