The Zambia Under 17 Women National Team has begun preparations for the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after coach Carol Kanyemba named a 36 member provisional squad. The Copper Princesses will travel to Rwanda for the first leg of the opening round scheduled for April 10 to 12 before hosting the return leg a week later. The winner over two legs will advance to face either DR Congo or Djibouti, with a final qualification round potentially featuring Malawi, South Sudan, Ethiopia or Burundi. Four African slots are available for the tournament, with host nation Morocco already qualified after securing hosting rights for five consecutive years.
Zambia heads into the qualifiers with confidence after making back to back appearances at the U 17 FIFA World Cup in 2024 in the Dominican Republic and in 2025 in Morocco. The country first made history at this level in 2014 when a talented group that included Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, Hazel Nali, Martha Tembo and Ireene Lungu announced themselves on the global stage in Costa Rica. With many players from the 2024 and 2025 squads moving up to higher age categories, the technical bench has identified new talent to build a competitive team for 2026. The focus is now on grooming a fresh generation capable of sustaining Zambia’s growing reputation in women’s football.
The provisional squad features players drawn from clubs across the country, reflecting the depth of grassroots development in Zambia. Goalkeepers called up include Winfridah Mutale of Elite Ladies, Carol Mweetwa of Barts FC and Deborah Phiri of Canaan Sports Foundation. In defence, the squad includes Patrina Moonga of Kalomo Queens, Salome Nalwimba of Sporting Dove, Ruth Nachivula of Driven Queens, Fatima Chuulu of Nampundwe Queens, Catherine Kapolyo of Amazing Grace, Loveness Daka of Young Elite Ladies, Chricencia Phiri of Radar Queens, Monica Chikonde of Aguila Stars, Evarine Lukwanda of Canaan Sports Foundation, Natasha Mwanza of Forest Rangers Women, Peace Muleya of Pemba Queens and Catherine Hichoombolwa of Luyando Foundation.
The midfield unit includes Grace Simangolwa of Lusaka Sky Sports, Phalesi Fitili of Luanshya Arts Sports Academy, Ethel Njobvu of Young Green Buffaloes, Astridah Musonda of Lunchu Queens, Naomi Banda of Power Dynamos, Catherine Namitondo of Nampundwe Queens, Matildah Hambulo of National Assembly, Daleen Mbewe of Misisi Queens and Charity Chileshe of Maina Soko Queens. Leading the attack are Hildah Kangwa of Busa, Fridah Munsanje of Barts Queens, Dorcas Mulosha of Candice, Sharon Lweendo of Ingwe Girls, Patience Mulenga, Vwanganji Nampemba of Blue Young Stars Girls, Agness Ondya and Blessings Mutale of Young Green Buffaloes, Beatrice Chipupula and Luyando Banda of Aguila Stars, Ndashe Mupeta of Power Dynamos and Josephine Changa Changa of Nchanga Rangers Queens.
As preparations intensify, the technical bench will assess fitness, tactical awareness and team chemistry before trimming the squad for the crucial fixtures against Rwanda. Zambia aims to secure one of Africa’s four qualification spots and continue its impressive run at youth level on the global stage. With a strong development structure and a clear pathway for young players, the Copper Princesses are determined to make another statement in the Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
