The draw for 2025 FIFA U‑17 Women's World Cup placed Zambia U‑17 women in Group F alongside Paraguay, Japan and New Zealand, with the opening match set for 19 October 2025.
Background: Zambia’s rise in youth women’s football
Less than a decade ago, the Copper Princesses were an unknown side on the African stage. Today, thanks to steady investment from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and a clear development pathway, they have become the first Zambian youth women’s team to qualify for back‑to‑back World Cups – the 2022 edition in India and now the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
The shift began when FAZ rolled out a national girls’ academy program in 2018, targeting talent in copper‑rich provinces. By 2022, those academies had produced a core of players who could compete against the continent’s best.
Qualification journey: From Ndola to Benin
Under the stewardship of Carol Kanyemba, head coach of the Zambia Under‑17 Women’s National Team, the Copper Princesses navigated a gruelling CAF qualifying campaign.
The second‑round tie against Tanzania took place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. A tight 1‑0 win – courtesy of defender Natasha Nkaka’s 53rd‑minute header – gave Zambia a 4‑0 aggregate advantage and set up a showdown with Benin.
In the final qualifying round, the girls produced a 2‑1 victory over Benin on a rainy evening (date still being finalised by CAF). The win sealed Zambia’s spot among the 16 nations headed to Morocco and marked a historic moment: the nation now boasts consecutive U‑17 World Cup appearances.
Group F draw: Tough opponents await
Group F is a mini‑World Cup in itself. Paraguay, a South American side that surprised many with a recent U‑17 South American Championship run, brings a physical style. Japan, perennial Asian powerhouses with a reputation for technical finesse, are seen as tournament favourites. New Zealand, the Oceania champions, combine athleticism with a growing tactical sophistication.
"We have a video analyst who is specialised in bringing footage for our opponents. So we have been observing both Congo and Benin," Coach Kanyemba told reporters after the Tanzania win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. "But we’ll be able to know opponents after the final results. We have some footage for both teams so we know the kind of opponents that we’re going to face and the girls already, because football is about challenges."
The Copper Princesses’ tactical plan hinges on a compact defensive shape and rapid counter‑attacks, mirroring the style that saw them out‑maneuver Benin.
Preparation friendlies: Canada, Colombia and Cameroon on the agenda
FAZ has scheduled three high‑profile friendlies in early October 2025 to sharpen the squad:
- Wednesday, 9 October – Cameroon U‑17 Women (regional rival)
- Saturday, 12 October – Canada U‑17 Women (North American powerhouse)
- Monday, 14 October – Colombia U‑17 Women (South American technique)
All matches will be played in neutral venues within Morocco, allowing the girls to acclimatise to the climate and pitch conditions ahead of the tournament.
“If you want to make it and be good in life, you need to beat the best and set records so our girls are motivated and are very ready to meet whoever is on the way,” said Kanyemba during a press conference. “These friendlies give us the edge we need.”
Impact on Zambian women's football: More than a tournament
Beyond the immediate excitement of world‑stage competition, qualification is a catalyst for grassroots development. Local clubs report a surge in girls’ enrolment, with some schools adding dedicated football periods to their curricula.
FAZ President Raven Mwape (not to be confused with the coach) recently noted that sponsorship interest has risen by roughly 45 % since the Copper Princesses secured their first World Cup berth in 2022.
Internationally, the success places Zambia among an elite group of African nations – alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Nigeria – that have consistently produced competitive youth women’s sides. The exposure also opens pathways for Zambian players to earn scholarships in Europe and North America.
Looking ahead: What comes after the group stage?
If the Copper Princesses can pull off an upset against either Paraguay or New Zealand, they will likely face a quarter‑final clash with a top‑seeded side from Group C or D. Analysts from African Football Review suggest that a disciplined defensive display could see Zambia through to the knockout round – a historic first for any Zambian youth women’s team.
Meanwhile, back home in Lusaka, fans are already planning watch parties. The national anthem will echo through stadiums and homes alike, as the Copper Princesses carry not just a ball but a nation’s hope for a brighter football future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Group F draw affect Zambia’s chances of advancing?
Group F pits Zambia against three strong opponents – Paraguay, Japan and New Zealand. While Japan is the clear favourite, a well‑executed defensive plan could see Zambia snatch points against Paraguay or New Zealand, keeping knockout hopes alive. The key will be capitalising on set‑pieces and the momentum from the preparatory friendlies.
What are the dates and venues for Zambia’s friendly matches?
FAZ arranged three friendlies in Morocco: Cameroon on 9 October, Canada on 12 October and Colombia on 14 October 2025. The exact stadiums are still being finalised, but all will be in venues that mirror the conditions expected for the World Cup group matches.
Who are the key players to watch from the Copper Princesses?
Defender Natasha Nkaka, who scored the decisive goal against Tanzania, leads a solid backline. Midfielder Grace Lungu commands possession, while forward Emily Phiri provides pace and finishing ability. Their chemistry will be crucial against technically adept teams like Japan.
What does this qualification mean for women's football in Zambia?
Back‑to‑back World Cup spots boost the sport’s profile, attract sponsors, and inspire young girls nationwide. Schools report higher enrollment in football programs, and clubs anticipate increased funding to nurture talent, potentially creating a pipeline to senior national teams and overseas opportunities.
When and where is Zambia’s first group‑stage match?
The Copper Princesses open Group F against Paraguay on Sunday, 19 October 2025. The match will be staged at one of Morocco’s designated youth venues – the exact stadium is yet to be announced by FIFA.
17 Comments
Nath FORGEAU October 11 2025
zambia girls pulling off big moves in world cup draw apparently
Hrishikesh Kesarkar October 12 2025
They’ve got a decent defense but the group is a nightmare. Japan will dominate unless Zambia surprises.
Manu Atelier October 13 2025
The inclusion of Zambia within Group F signifies a commendable progression of African women's football. Nevertheless, the tactical disparity between the Copper Princesses and the established Asian powerhouses remains pronounced. A disciplined defensive organization may mitigate this gap.
Anu Deep October 14 2025
i totally see what you mean man its cool how they’re growing they deserve the spotlight
Preeti Panwar October 15 2025
Love seeing these young girls get their chance 🌟 It’ll inspire a whole new generation back home and we’re all cheering them on!
Vaibhav Singh October 16 2025
Honestly the biggest threat is Paraguay, not Japan. If Zambia can hold them off the rest is just paperwork.
Ankit Intodia October 17 2025
Yo dude, Paraguay’s physical but Zambia’s speed could flip the script, especially on counter‑attacks.
Aaditya Srivastava October 18 2025
Looks like a tough group but those friendlies in Morocco should help the kids get used to the vibe.
Vaibhav Kashav October 19 2025
Sure, because playing Cameroon in a neutral stadium totally prepares you for Japan’s precision.
saurabh waghmare October 20 2025
Indeed, exposure to varied playing styles in the friendlies will be crucial. Balancing defensive solidity with quick transitions could be Zambia’s sweet spot.
Chandan kumar October 21 2025
Sounds good on paper but I doubt they’ll pull off anything against New Zealand.
Swapnil Kapoor October 22 2025
Actually, New Zealand’s recent tactical upgrades have narrowed the gap. If Zambia can exploit set‑pieces, they stand a decent chance.
kuldeep singh October 23 2025
Drama alert: if Zambia pulls an upset it’ll be the biggest story of the tournament. Everyone loves a Cinderella.
Shweta Tiwari October 24 2025
May I inquire as to the specific training methodologies employed by FAZ in preparation for these high‑level contests? Your insight would be greatly appreciated.
priyanka Prakash October 25 2025
We must rally behind our girls and demand more support from the federation; they deserve the best facilities.
Pravalika Sweety October 26 2025
It will be interesting to observe how the different tactical approaches play out in Group F.
harshit malhotra October 27 2025
There is no denying that the Copper Princesses have charted a remarkable trajectory in recent years, emerging from relative obscurity to claim a spot among the world's elite youth squads. Their back‑to‑back qualification for the U‑17 Women’s World Cup is a testament to sustained investment and strategic planning by the Football Association of Zambia. Yet, the true test lies not in merely showing up, but in challenging the established powers that traditionally dominate this tournament. Japan, with its legendary technical acumen, will likely impose a high‑pressing, possession‑heavy style that could overwhelm less experienced defenses. Paraguay, on the other hand, brings a bruising physicality that may unsettle the Zambian backline if they fail to maintain composure. New Zealand combines athleticism with improving tactical discipline, offering a hybrid challenge that tests both stamina and game intelligence. The scheduled friendlies against Cameroon, Canada, and Colombia appear precisely designed to expose the squad to a spectrum of playing philosophies, thereby sharpening adaptability. Moreover, the exposure of Zambian players to international scouts could open pathways to professional contracts abroad, further elevating the standard of domestic women's football. Community support back home, epitomized by watch parties and grassroots enthusiasm, will provide an emotional boost that cannot be quantified. It is essential that the federation continues to secure sponsorships, as financial backing directly influences training facilities, medical support, and travel logistics. If the team can translate their disciplined defensive shape into effective counter‑attacks, they may well secure a point or even a surprise victory against one of the group’s heavierweights. In any scenario, the mere presence of Zambia in Group F raises the profile of African women’s football on a global stage. Fans worldwide should keep an eye on the evolving dynamics, as upsets are the lifeblood of any compelling competition. Ultimately, whether the Copper Princesses advance or fall short, the experience gained will resonate for years, inspiring the next generation of young girls across the continent to chase their football dreams.