Zambia made a huge step toward advancing further in the 2026 Morocco FIFA Under-17 Women World Cup qualifying race with a 5-0 win over DR Congo at home in Ndola in the first leg match of the second round.
Zambia fancied their chances against DR Congo at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium but scoring five past the Leopardess was flattering for the Copper Princess.
Forward Natasha Kasema was the star of the day after grabbing a hattrick in this encounter.
Grace Phiri put Zambia in front after 23 minutes as the Copper Princess matched their ball possession dominance with a goal.
Kasema registered her three goals in the 41st, 50th and 64th minutes.
Late substitute Blessings Mutale wrapped up the scoring when converting a penalty just seconds from the final whistle following a foul against Zambia in the Congolese box.
Zambia coach Carol Kanyemba hailed her side for edging Congo despite making some mistakes.
“First and foremost, I would like to give God all the glory. Secondly, I want to salute the girls for the effort they put in,” Kanyemba told journalists at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
“We had a few lapses. As much as we won there are certain areas we need to work on,” she said.
Kanyemba said the victory over Congo has sustained Zambia’s dream of qualifying for their third World Cup at Under-17 women level.
“The dream to go back to the World Cup still lives on. This result gives us hope that we can still go back to the World Cup,” Kanyemba said.
The return match will be played in a week’s time in Lubumbashi.
DR Congo coach Baylon Kabongolo admitted that reversing the 5-0 bashing would be tough.
“In Lubumbashi we can win the game but to reverse the situation will be difficult. Yes, in football this can happen, but it will be a miracle,” Kabongololo said.
What happened to the “we will pounce like leopards” brag by the coach? Kkkkkkkkk!