Zambia’s Under-17 women’s national team, the Copper Princesses, have taken a crucial step toward another appearance on the world stage after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ethiopia in the first leg of the final round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The match, played on Saturday, delivered both relief and pressure for the Zambian side as they now carry a narrow lead into the decisive second leg in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia’s away goal keeps the tie finely balanced, ensuring that nothing is settled yet. Zambia now need only a goalless draw or any win in the return fixture to confirm qualification for a third consecutive World Cup appearance. The result reflects both the strength and vulnerability of the Copper Princesses as they approach one of the most important matches in their youth football journey.
The game began with Ethiopia showing early confidence, controlling possession and circulating the ball with purpose in the opening stages. Despite their composed start, the visitors struggled to break through Zambia’s defensive structure, which held firm under pressure. Zambia gradually grew into the match and found the breakthrough in the 14th minute when Precious Mwewa reacted quickly inside the box to finish off a low cross delivered by Grace Phiri. That early goal shifted momentum firmly in Zambia’s favour and lifted the team’s attacking intensity. The Copper Princesses began pressing higher and forcing Ethiopia deeper into their own half.
Ethiopia, however, refused to collapse under pressure and maintained their disciplined shape. Their patience paid off just before halftime when Ayele Mihret produced a moment of quality from a set piece. She curled a free-kick over the wall and beyond goalkeeper Bukata Kakumbi to level the match at 1-1 in the 40th minute. The equaliser changed the tone of the encounter and reminded Zambia that the contest would remain tightly contested. Both teams went into the break aware that small details would decide the outcome.
Zambia returned for the second half with renewed urgency and greater attacking intent. Their response came in the 54th minute when substitute Phidah Mazuwa made an immediate impact on the game. She rose above the Ethiopian defence to head home a well-delivered cross from Faith Kaunda, restoring Zambia’s lead at 2-1. The goal injected energy into the home side and once again placed them in control of the tie. Zambia then attempted to extend their advantage, pushing forward in search of a third goal that would have eased pressure ahead of the return leg.
Ethiopia remained dangerous despite falling behind again, particularly through set pieces and quick transitions. Ayele Mihret nearly struck again in the 67th minute when her free-kick narrowly cleared the crossbar, signalling that Zambia could not afford to relax. The visitors continued to probe for another away goal, knowing how valuable it would be in the context of the two-legged tie. Zambia, meanwhile, focused on maintaining their structure and protecting their lead as the match entered its final stages. The closing minutes demanded discipline and concentration from the Copper Princesses.
After the match, head coach Carol Kanyemba acknowledged the importance of the result while stressing that the job was far from complete. She expressed gratitude for the victory but admitted the team still faces a major challenge in the second leg. Kanyemba explained that Zambia’s initial aim was to keep a clean sheet at home, but she accepted that conceding is part of the game. She also indicated that the team will approach the away leg with caution and may prioritise game management if necessary. Her message reflected both confidence and realism ahead of a high-pressure return fixture.
Ethiopia head coach Rawda Ali remained optimistic despite the loss, pointing to her team’s away goal as a key advantage heading into the second leg. She praised her players for staying competitive throughout the match and believed the tie is still wide open. Ali suggested that playing at home will give Ethiopia an opportunity to increase attacking pressure on Zambia. She also noted that her team proved they can create chances, especially from set pieces. Her comments set the stage for an intense second leg in Addis Ababa.
The result means Zambia are now in a strong but dangerous position. A goalless draw or victory in Ethiopia will be enough to secure qualification for a third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance. However, the away goal conceded at home ensures the tie remains unpredictable. Zambia must balance defensive discipline with the need to remain sharp in attack. One mistake in the return leg could shift momentum quickly in Ethiopia’s favour.
As the Copper Princesses prepare for the decisive clash, the focus will shift to game management, mental strength and tactical discipline. The first leg showed their ability to respond under pressure and score crucial goals when needed. It also exposed moments of vulnerability that Ethiopia will aim to exploit in front of their home supporters. The return leg now carries high stakes for both nations, with a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on the line. Zambia’s performance in Addis Ababa will determine whether their promising campaign continues onto the global stage.