Zambia’s national under-17 girls football team, the Copper Princesses, have secured a place in the final of the COSAFA U-17 Girls Championship following a sensational 5-1 triumph over Zimbabwe in a semi-final match played this afternoon.
The Copper Princesses delivered a dominant and spirited performance, thrilling fans with their skill, teamwork, and determination. From the opening whistle, the young Zambian side controlled the pace of the game, showcasing their growing maturity and technical brilliance on the regional stage.
The emphatic win was a result of exceptional individual performances combined with strong tactical discipline orchestrated by the team’s coaching staff. The technical bench, led by Head Coach Carol Kanyemba, has been instrumental in shaping the girls into one of the most formidable youth sides in Southern Africa. Under her guidance, the team has steadily improved with each match, demonstrating resilience, strategic awareness, and attacking flair.
“We are incredibly proud of the girls,” Coach Kanyemba said after the match. “They showed great character, executed the game plan perfectly, and gave everything on the pitch. This result is a reflection of their hard work, discipline, and belief in themselves.”
The coaching staff, including Assistant Coaches Beatrice Chapata and Moses Malama, Goalkeeping Coach Judith Chola, and Team Manager Chipo Mwale, have played a crucial role in nurturing the team’s potential and building a winning mentality among the players.
The 5-1 scoreline is not only a statement of intent heading into the final but also a showcase of Zambia’s rising talent in women’s football. Goals from key players—including a brace by forward Thandiwe Mwape and strikes from Luyando Phiri, Natasha Mumba, and Agness Banda—sealed the resounding victory and sent a strong message to their final opponents.
With this win, the Copper Princesses now look ahead to the championship final, where they aim to lift the trophy and further cement Zambia’s reputation as a rising powerhouse in women’s football in the region.
The team’s journey to the final has captured national attention and inspired a new generation of young girls dreaming of donning the national jersey. As they prepare for the last hurdle, the Copper Princesses carry not just the hopes of a nation—but a powerful reminder of what determination, teamwork, and passion can achieve.