Zambia U-17 Women’s National Team head coach Carol Kanyemba has described the Copper Princesses’ FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 group as “tricky” but remains confident that her team is ready to embrace the challenge.
Speaking in an interview following Wednesday’s official draw held in Rabat, which placed the COSAFA champions in Group F alongside Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay, Kanyemba acknowledged that Zambia faces some of the world’s most seasoned youth teams in what promises to be a competitive group stage.
“This is a tricky group, no doubt about it,” Kanyemba said. “We have drawn Japan again, a team with great pedigree at this level, and we know what to expect after our experience against them. New Zealand and Paraguay are also strong sides with solid youth development programs. But we are not intimidated; we will prepare well and go into the tournament with a positive mindset.”
Kanyemba referenced the Copper Princesses’ encounter with Japan at the 2024 edition of the tournament, where the Asian giants secured a 4-1 victory over Zambia during the group stage. She stressed that lessons had been learned from that match and that the team would aim to apply those insights in Morocco.
“We respect all our opponents, but we have grown since last year. The players are more experienced now, and we have been working hard to improve both technically and tactically. Our goal is to compete fiercely and give a good account of ourselves,” Kanyemba said.
The coach also highlighted the importance of continued support from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), government, and the fans, whose encouragement she said plays a crucial role in motivating the young players.
“We know the entire country will be behind us. The support we have received so far has been fantastic, and we want to make Zambia proud,” she added.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the Copper Princesses will intensify their preparations with a series of training camps and friendly matches aimed at sharpening their skills and building team cohesion.
With determination and resilience, Zambia’s U-17 women are set to face their World Cup test head-on, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see them shine on the global stage.