Zambia U17 Girls Seal Semifinal Spot with Mauritius Mauling
The Zambia U17 Women’s National Team, known as the Copper Princesses, are through to the semifinals of the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship after an emphatic 9-0 victory over Mauritius on Tuesday afternoon in Namibia.
The win ensured Zambia finished top of Group B, setting up a semifinal clash with the winner of Group C.
Banda Hat-Trick Headlines Zambia’s Ruthless Display
Despite a slow start marked by hurried decisions in the final third and several impressive saves from Mauritius goalkeeper Marie Cedrielle Begue, the Copper Princesses settled into their rhythm and turned on the style.
Gift Chisha Mazimba opened the floodgates with a well-placed header in the 20th minute. Just four minutes later, Hellen Banda curled in a free kick to double Zambia’s lead. Captain Ruth Mukoma added a third by rounding the keeper and slotting home to make it 3-0 by halftime.
Super Subs Shine in the Second Half
Coach Carol Kanyemba made tactical substitutions at the break, introducing Esther ‘Zootopia’ Makoti and Mary Nyangu, a move that paid off immediately.
Makoti took just three minutes to make an impact, hammering a thunderous shot into the top corner off a slick assist from Faith Kaunda. Banda then added her second with a composed side-foot finish in the 65th minute.
Mwape, Banda, and Ngabwe Finish the Job
Precious Mwape, the captain of Luyando Foundation Girls, fired in from distance in the 73rd minute before Banda completed her hat-trick in the 76th with a confident finish. Mwape added her second of the game four minutes later with a fine header to make it 8-0.
The final flourish came in stoppage time as Esther Ngabwe got on the end of a perfectly delivered Kaunda free kick to complete the 9-0 demolition.
Hellen Banda was deservedly named Player of the Match for her stunning hat-trick and all-round performance.
Zambia Eyeing COSAFA Glory
With the Copper Princesses in red-hot form, Coach Kanyemba’s side will now prepare for a much-anticipated semifinal clash against the Group C winner. The team’s attacking flair, depth on the bench, and solid team chemistry will make them one of the favourites for the title.
🔢 Full-Time Score: Zambia 9-0 Mauritius
Scorers:
Gift Chisha Mazimba (20′)
Hellen Banda (24′, 65′, 76′)
Ruth Mukoma (33′)
Esther Makoti (48′)
Precious Mwape (73′, 80′)
Esther Ngabwe (90+1′)
