Zambia’s Copper Princesses are heading into a crucial 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier return leg against Rwanda with a 2-0 advantage, but head coach Carol Kanyemba has warned that the tie is far from settled. The match will take place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium tomorrow, where expectations are high for Zambia to complete the job and secure progression to the next round. The first leg result in Kigali gave Zambia control of the contest, but it also created pressure that now follows the team into the decisive fixture. Kanyemba has made it clear that her players must remain focused from start to finish. She believes the mental side of the game will be just as important as tactics and execution on the pitch.
Kanyemba explained that a two goal lead can be deceptive in international youth football, where momentum can shift quickly. She said the advantage puts Zambia in a strong position but also raises expectations from supporters and stakeholders. According to her, Rwanda will approach the match with freedom because they have nothing to lose, which can make them more dangerous. She warned that early complacency or loss of concentration could change the outcome of the tie. Her message to the squad has been centered on discipline, awareness and game management. She stressed that qualification will only come through sustained effort across the full 90 minutes.
The Zambian coach also used the moment to reflect on the long term goals of the national youth setup. She emphasized the importance of consistent qualification for major tournaments like the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. In her view, regular participation at that level is essential for player development and building a stronger national team pipeline. She believes exposure to high level competition helps young players grow in confidence and experience. This match, therefore, carries weight beyond just the result, as it forms part of a wider development strategy for women’s football in Zambia. Kanyemba wants the Copper Princesses to establish themselves as a consistent force on the global stage.
Team captain Taonga Mubanga has also acknowledged the pressure that comes with a strong first leg performance. She admitted that expectations are high but insisted the squad is ready for the challenge. Mubanga said the team aims to improve on their performance from the first leg and avoid unnecessary mistakes. She highlighted the importance of staying calm and executing their game plan effectively. Her message reflected confidence in the group’s preparation and mindset. The captain believes Zambia has the quality to finish the job if they remain disciplined and focused.
Zambia enters the match boosted by goals from Precious Mwewa and Grace Phiri, whose contributions in Kigali secured the important first leg advantage. Their attacking impact gave the Copper Princesses control of the tie and shifted pressure onto Rwanda. However, the technical staff has reminded the team that past performance does not guarantee future success. Every match requires renewed focus and energy, especially in knockout qualification scenarios. The team is expected to rely on both defensive structure and attacking efficiency to protect their lead. Home advantage at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is also expected to play a role in boosting confidence.
On the other side, Rwanda remains determined to fight back despite the two goal deficit. Head coach Oscarie Iragena has insisted that the tie is still open and believes her team can respond. She pointed to improvements shown in the second half of the first leg as evidence of progress. Iragena said her players have taken lessons from the opening match and are ready to correct their mistakes. She emphasized belief, effort and discipline as key factors in their approach. Rwanda will aim to play with intensity and take advantage of any lapses from the home side.
Rwanda captain Challon Bateta echoed her coach’s optimism and confirmed that the squad has worked on fixing weaknesses identified in the first leg. She said the players are motivated to deliver a stronger performance and compete at a higher level. Bateta stressed that the team will give maximum effort on the pitch in pursuit of an upset. She acknowledged the difficulty of the task but maintained that football can produce unexpected outcomes. Her comments reflected a team mindset focused on resilience and determination rather than fear of the scoreline.
With a place in the next round against the Democratic Republic of Congo at stake, both teams understand the importance of the fixture. Zambia holds a clear advantage but must manage pressure, expectations and game dynamics carefully. Rwanda enters with freedom and belief that makes them unpredictable opponents. The match is expected to test not only technical ability but also mental strength under pressure. In the end, the result will depend on which side handles the moment better when it matters most.