The Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ahead of Sunday’s return leg of the final qualifying round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
According to FAZ, the flight carrying the Copper Princesses touched down at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport at 19:28 Zambian time.
Zambia carry a 2-1 advantage from the first leg played in Ndola last Saturday.
The second leg will determine which side secures a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the Copper Princesses aiming to qualify for a third consecutive time.
Head Coach Carol Kanyemba said the team is fully focused and understands what is at stake in Addis Ababa.
“This is the final chance for the team to make it to the U-17 FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” Kanyemba said before departure.
“We have prepared well, the girls are motivated, and our target is clear. We are going there to finish the job and book our place.”
Zambia represented Africa at the last two editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 and 2024, and Ms. Kanyemba believes maintaining that consistency will be key for the development of women’s football in the country.
Team captain Taonga Mubanga said the squad is confident going into the return leg.
“The mood in camp is good. We know it won’t be easy playing away, but we are ready and our aim is to score more goals,” Mubanga said.
“As a team we are optimistic that we will get a positive result and make Zambians proud. We want to go to the World Cup again.”
(Image by FAZ Media)
