Copper Princesses Depart for Tanzania for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier

06.03.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

The Zambia U17 Women’s National Team has departed for Tanzania ahead of their crucial FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup second-round, first-leg qualifier against the Serengeti Girls. The team took off from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 07:04 aboard Zambia Airways, embarking on their journey to secure a place at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Kanyemba Names Strong 20-Member Squad

Head coach Carol Kanyemba has unveiled her final 20-player squad, which includes promising talents and experienced campaigners. Among the notable inclusions is Aston Villa youth player Jessica Cholwe Johnson, whose international exposure is expected to be a key asset for the team. Captain Mercy Chipasula will lead the squad, bringing her experience from the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Crucial Fixtures Ahead

The first-leg encounter is set for Sunday, 9 March 2025, at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam. The return leg will take place on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualification round, where they will face either Benin or DR Congo for a coveted spot in Morocco.

Final 20-Member Squad

Goalkeepers:

Bukata Kakumbi (Police Doves Queens)

Decent Mbewe (National Assembly)

Defenders:

Nana Malanda (Play It Forward)

Theresa Mubiana (Play It Forward)

Natasha Nkaka (Choma Warriors)

Beatrice Njobvu (Red Arrows)

Precious Mwape (Luyando Foundation)

Midfielders:

Taonga Mubanga (YASA Queens)

Hellen Misozi Banda (Play It Forward)

Taonga Tembo (Young Green Buffaloes)

Lillian Mwenda (Elite Ladies)

Sharon Siakaloba (Pemba Queens)

Forwards:

Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles)

Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens)

Grace Phiri (Play It Forward)

Faith Kaunda (Zedpro Academy)

Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows)

Ruth Mukoma (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Pervis Kangalangala (Lunchu Queens)

Jessica Cholwe Johnson (Aston Villa, England)

Eyes on the Prize

With a talented squad and a well-structured game plan, the Copper Princesses are determined to take a positive result from Tanzania before the return leg in Ndola. A successful campaign in this round will bring them closer to making history by securing a spot in Morocco for the global tournament scheduled from 17 October to 8 November 2025.

Zambians will be rallying behind the young heroines as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification. All the best to the Copper Princesses!