Zambia’s Under-17 Women’s National Team has once again demonstrated its growing strength on the African football stage by securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The Copper Princesses earned their place at the prestigious tournament after battling to a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in the second leg of the final qualification round in Addis Ababa. Their determined performance ensured a 3-2 aggregate victory and confirmed Zambia’s place at the global competition for the third consecutive time. The achievement highlights the country’s consistent investment in youth women’s football and reflects the determination of a talented group of young players who rose to the occasion under difficult circumstances. The qualification has also been celebrated as another important milestone in the continued rise of Zambian women’s football.
The decisive match in Ethiopia tested the Copper Princesses both mentally and physically as they faced a determined home side eager to overturn the first-leg result. Despite the pressure from the hosts and the challenging away environment, Zambia remained composed throughout the contest. The players displayed tactical discipline, resilience and teamwork to protect their aggregate advantage while finding the crucial goal that ultimately secured qualification. Their ability to remain calm under intense pressure reflected the growing maturity of the squad and the quality of preparation they received throughout the qualification campaign. The draw was enough to send Zambia through and marked another successful chapter in the nation’s impressive record at youth international level.
Football Association of Zambia President Keith Mweemba congratulated the team for their outstanding achievement and praised their commitment during the demanding qualification journey. He said the players deserved recognition for the determination they showed from the beginning of the campaign until the final whistle in Addis Ababa. According to Mweemba, the Copper Princesses stayed united, trusted the tactical approach laid out by their coaches and proved that they could perform under pressure when representing their country. He noted that the players displayed character, discipline and confidence throughout the campaign, qualities that will be important as they prepare to compete against the world’s best young teams. His remarks reflected the pride felt across Zambia following another successful qualification for a major FIFA tournament.
Mweemba also reserved special praise for head coach Carol Kanyemba, her technical team and the support staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. He acknowledged that successful football teams are built through collective effort, with every member of the coaching and medical staff contributing to the players’ development and readiness. The FAZ President said the qualification belonged not only to the players on the field but also to everyone who dedicated their time and expertise to the team’s success. He emphasized that the continued progress of Zambia’s women’s football programme is the result of long-term commitment from coaches, administrators and development structures working together. Their efforts have helped establish Zambia as one of Africa’s strongest emerging nations in women’s football across multiple age groups.
The qualification carried additional emotional significance because it came on the same day Zambia paid its final respects to former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape. Mweemba described the World Cup qualification as a fitting tribute to a coach who played an important role in advancing women’s football in the country. Bruce Mwape helped elevate Zambia’s women’s national teams onto the international stage and inspired many young players to believe they could compete with the best in the world. His contribution created a strong foundation that continues to benefit the country’s football development programmes. The success of the Copper Princesses served as a reminder of the lasting legacy he leaves behind within Zambian football.
Looking ahead, the Football Association of Zambia has pledged to provide the Copper Princesses with the support needed to compete successfully at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. Mweemba stressed that qualification alone is not the ultimate objective, as the association wants the team to achieve an even stronger performance than in previous tournaments. Plans include ensuring the squad receives quality preparation, international exposure and competitive matches that will help them gain valuable experience before the tournament begins. Such preparations are expected to strengthen the players both technically and mentally while allowing the coaching staff to refine tactics against high-level opposition. The association believes that proper planning and investment will give Zambia a realistic opportunity to make a deeper run in the competition.
The Copper Princesses have steadily established themselves as one of Africa’s most promising youth teams through consistent performances in continental qualification campaigns. Qualifying for three successive FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cups demonstrates that Zambia’s investment in grassroots football and player development is producing tangible results. It also provides young footballers across the country with inspiration to pursue their dreams of representing Zambia on the international stage. Success at youth level often creates a pathway for players to graduate into the senior national team, strengthening the future of the Copper Queens and ensuring continued competitiveness at major international tournaments. This growing pipeline of talented players is becoming one of Zambia’s greatest strengths.
The qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup represents more than simply reaching another international tournament. It symbolizes the progress of women’s football in Zambia, the resilience of a determined young squad and the effectiveness of the country’s football development programmes. Keith Mweemba’s congratulations reflected the pride of the entire football community while reinforcing FAZ’s commitment to helping the Copper Princesses compete at the highest level. With strong leadership, experienced coaching staff and continued investment in player development, Zambia now has an opportunity to surpass its previous achievements on the world stage. As preparations begin for the global tournament, the Copper Princesses carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them continue making history in international women’s football.