Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has praised the Copper Princesses after the team secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing their achievement as a reflection of Zambia’s continued growth in women’s football.
The Zambia U-17 Women’s National Team booked their place at the global tournament after holding Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their qualifier in Addis Ababa. The result saw Zambia progress with a 3-2 aggregate victory and qualify for a third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
Mweemba congratulated the players, technical bench and supporters for their contribution to another successful qualification campaign, praising the team’s determination and ability to perform under pressure.
He said the Copper Princesses showed strong character throughout the qualifiers, especially during the decisive away fixture against Ethiopia.
“The girls worked hard for this qualification. They stayed together, followed the game plan and showed they can handle pressure. They deserve all the praise for what they have achieved,” Mweemba said.
The FAZ president also commended head coach Carol Kanyemba, her technical staff and everyone involved in preparing the team, saying their dedication has played an important role in the continued progress of women’s football in Zambia.
“On behalf of my executive committee and the football family, I also want to thank Coach Carol Kanyemba and her technical bench. They have done their part and this qualification belongs to everyone who worked with the team,” he added.
Mweemba further described the qualification as a special moment for Zambian football, noting that it came on the same day the country was mourning former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape.
He said the achievement served as a fitting tribute to Mwape’s contribution towards the development of women’s football and his impact on Zambia’s national teams.
Looking ahead, Mweemba assured that FAZ will provide the Copper Princesses with the necessary support and preparations as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco.
He said the association’s ambition is not only to participate but to compete strongly and improve on previous World Cup performances.
“This achievement is a sign of the progress we are making in women’s football. However, we want to go beyond participation. Our target is to surpass the Round of 32 record achieved at previous tournaments and compete for a better finish,” Mweemba said.
The Copper Princesses will now shift their focus towards building a competitive squad capable of making a lasting impression at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
