Zambia’s Under-20 Girls’ National Team, the Junior Copper Queens, have departed for Uganda as preparations intensify for a decisive third-round qualifier for the Poland 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. With progression to the final qualification round at stake, Zambia will be targeting a strong away performance in the first leg of the two-legged tie.
Junior Copper Queens Leave for Kampala
The Zambian contingent left the country in the early hours of Thursday morning, boarding an Ethiopian Airlines flight at 02:40 from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport en route to Kampala. The early departure reflects the importance attached to the fixture, with technical preparations and recovery time carefully factored into the team’s travel plans ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Strong Squad Named by Florence Mwila
Head coach Florence Mwila has travelled with a competitive and balanced squad as Zambia look to assert themselves against the East Africans. Key players such as Mwila Mufunte, Margaret Gondwe, Saliya Mwanza, Lweendo Hanongo, Jessy Zulu, and Blessings Zangose Zulu headline the squad, providing a blend of experience, creativity and attacking threat for the crucial away tie.
Zambia Target Positive Away Result
Zambia approach the fixture confident but cautious, fully aware of the challenge posed by playing away from home. Securing a positive result in Kampala could prove decisive in shaping the tie, particularly with the return leg to be played on home soil. The Junior Copper Queens are expected to balance defensive discipline with attacking intent as they seek to put pressure on the hosts early.
High Stakes in World Cup Qualification Race
The Junior Copper Queens will face Uganda on Saturday, 7 February, with the hosts expected to draw energy from their home supporters. With both nations chasing a place in the final round of qualification, the encounter is set to be tightly contested, where small margins could determine who remains on course for a historic appearance at the Poland 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Conclusion
As the Junior Copper Queens land in Kampala, focus now shifts to execution on the pitch. A composed and clinical performance away from home could place Zambia firmly in control of the tie and within touching distance of the final qualification round, keeping their World Cup dream firmly alive.
