Copper Princesses Secure Dominant 3-0 Win Over Tanzania in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

The Zambia U-17 Women’s National Team took a massive step towards qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. Second-half goals from Grace Phiri and captain Mercy Chipasula ensured the Copper Princesses head into the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium with a comfortable lead. With a spot in the next round at stake, Zambia will now look to complete the job on home soil.

Match Summary

After a goalless first half, Zambia took control of the match in the second half. Grace Phiri broke the deadlock in the 64th minute before Mercy Chipasula added a second goal in the 80th minute. The Zambian captain then sealed the victory with an 89th-minute penalty, giving the Copper Princesses a solid cushion ahead of the second leg.

Full-Time Score:
🇹🇿 Tanzania U17 0-3 Zambia U17 🇿🇲
⚽ 64′ – Grace Phiri
⚽ 80′ – Mercy Chipasula
⚽ 89′ (P) – Mercy Chipasula

Post-Match Reactions

Carol Kanyemba (Zambia Head Coach):

Zambia’s head coach, Carol Kanyemba, was pleased with the away win but emphasized the need for focus in the second leg.

“We need to get more goals if possible in the second leg. Playing at home is always an advantage. We’ve got the crowd behind us, and we’ve got everyone at peace knowing that we are at home,” Kanyemba said.

“So we are not going to be complacent with this result, but we are treating it as a new game altogether. We are coming into it with the right attitude so that we get maximum points, score, and, if possible, not concede.”

Baraki Shime (Tanzania Head Coach):

Tanzania’s coach, Baraki Shime, admitted his side struggled in the second half but remains hopeful of a turnaround in the return leg.

“We did very well in the first half in terms of defending and controlling the game. But we conceded very easy goals. The first goal took us out of the game, and then the second and third goals followed,” he said.

“I hope we’ll prepare for it well. Three goals are many, but it’s not too many.”

What’s Next?

Zambia and Tanzania will conclude their two-legged encounter on Saturday, March 9, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The Copper Princesses are now just one step away from advancing to the final round of qualification, where they will face either Benin or DR Congo for a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

A win or even a draw in Ndola will see Zambia progress, while Tanzania will need a miraculous comeback to overturn the 3-0 deficit.

Conclusion

Zambia’s impressive away performance has set them up for a crucial second leg at home, where they will be favorites to advance. With a determined squad and home support behind them, the Copper Princesses will look to finish the job and move one step closer to the World Cup.