Copper Princesses Begin Final Push for FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualification

16.06.2026 | Football DNA

Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team head coach Carol Kanyemba has named a 35-member provisional squad ahead of the decisive final qualification round for the 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 travelling for the return fixture a week later.

Zambia booked their place in the final qualifying round after overcoming DR Congo, while Ethiopia secured their spot by eliminating Burundi.

One of the standout inclusions in Kanyemba’s squad is England-based midfielder Asher Mwamba of Brighton & Hove Albion, who earns her maiden national team call-up. The coach has largely maintained the core of the squad that featured in the previous round, signalling confidence in the group that has delivered results so far.

Among the notable players retained are Natasha Kasema, Taonga Mubanga, Precious Mwewa and Lillian Mwenda as camp officially opens in Ndola.

Kanyemba’s target is clear — guiding Zambia to a third consecutive qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, further strengthening the country’s growing reputation in women’s football.

Ethiopia Intensify Preparations

Zambia’s opponents are also leaving nothing to chance.

Ethiopia entered camp on June 3 and has already stepped up preparations with an international friendly against Uganda.

In an entertaining encounter played at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on June 11, Ethiopia and Uganda played out a 3–3 draw.

Lydia Eyasu gave Ethiopia a dream start with two quick goals inside the opening eight minutes. Uganda responded through Namakula John and Barbie Marta in the 21st and 27th minutes to restore parity.

Before halftime, Misret Ayele put Ethiopia back in front, but Uganda fought back again and found a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute through Yagala Flavia.

The result highlighted Ethiopia’s attacking strengths but also exposed defensive areas Zambia may look to exploit.

With a World Cup place at stake, expectations are high as both nations prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested qualifier.

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 (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 (Candice Girls Academy), Christina Mwale (Misisi Academy), Faith Kapilingo, Agness Mwaka, Lillian Mwenda (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)