WE BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE CARRIED THE BEST TEAM – KANYEMBA

05.10.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Under-17 Women National Team Coach Carol Kanyemba says her side is determined to reward the support of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) with a strong performance at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025.

Speaking before the team’s departure for Casablanca, where the Copper Princesses will set up a 14-day pre-tournament camp, Kanyemba expressed delight with the high-profile international friendlies FAZ has secured as part of their preparations.

“We want to appreciate the support that everyone is giving us and we promise that the Association’s support that they have given unto us, we are going to work hard and be able to bring back promising results,” Kanyemba said.

FAZ has confirmed three international friendly matches for the Copper Princesses against Cameroon, Canada, and Colombia to be played on 9, 12, and 14 October 2025, respectively. The friendlies are aimed at helping the team gauge their readiness for the global showpiece.

Kanyemba said she was confident in her final squad selection, which is headlined by skipper Mercy Chipasula, who netted six goals during the World Cup qualifiers.

“So far, the preparations have been going well despite a few minor injuries that are being managed. But we believe that we have carried the best team,” she added.

“We are happy for the confirmed friendlies that will help us assess the level at which our team is.”

FAZ President Keith Mweemba reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to giving the girls the best possible preparation ahead of the tournament.

“These friendlies were planned a long time ago and only confirmations with our opponents were being awaited. As FAZ, we will do our part and our girls must also do theirs,” Mweemba said.

“This is the second consecutive time the girls are going to this particular tournament, making it three World Cup appearances for Zambia at the U-17 women’s level.”

Mweemba expressed optimism that the Copper Princesses would live up to the nation’s expectations and make Zambia proud.

The ninth edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will take place from 17 October to 8 November 2025. This year’s tournament will be historic as Morocco becomes the first African country to host it and only the second Arab nation to do so.

Zambia will open their campaign against Paraguay on 19 October at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) in Sale, before facing Japan three days later at the same venue. The final group game will be against New Zealand at Pitch 2 of the same facility.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Zambia has now qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup three times — in 2014, 2024, and 2025 — underlining the country’s growing footprint in women’s football.

Final 21-Member Squad

Goalkeepers:

Loveness Chingwele (MUZA Queens), Mary Nyangu (Yasa Queens), Decent Mbewe (National Assembly)

Defenders:

Nana Malanda (Green Buffaloes), Precious Mwape (Luyando Foundation), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles), Tabitha Nyirenda, Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Gift Mazimba, Esther Ngabwe (Elite Ladies), Beatrice Njobvu (Red Arrows), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro Academy)

Midfielders:

Taonga Mubanga (Yasa Queens), Sharon Siakaloba (Pemba Queens), Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Blessings Chiumya (Elite Ladies)

Strikers:

Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Faith Kajiya (Elite Ladies), Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Victoria Mbali (Young Green Buffaloes), Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows)

Standby Players:

Precious Mwewa (Candice Academy), Carol Nsondo (Choma Warriors), Hellen Sichamba (Elite Ladies)

With the best players in camp, high-quality friendlies lined up, and a clear sense of purpose, the Copper Princesses carry the hopes of an entire nation as they aim to make history in Morocco.