Benin U17 Women’s National Team coach Azonsou Idah has acknowledged Zambia as favourites in Saturday’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup third round qualifier, but insists her side is prepared to give everything in their bid to secure a positive result in Ndola.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Friday, Idah said her team is ready for the challenge and views the Copper Princesses as a strong continental force given their World Cup experience.

“The match is big for us, it’s important for Benin. We know that Zambia is a big team so we have prepared for the match in the best condition, and we will give our all to win the match,” Idah said.

“Zambia is a good test. They are a big team on the continent because they have played the World Cup before, so this match is a big test for us. But we will play the match in the best condition, although it will not be easy.”

Benin are aiming to secure their first-ever qualification to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, and Idah made it clear that Saturday’s encounter marks only the first half of the task at hand. “We came here to do the first part of the qualification, and we intend to finish the job away in Lome,” he added.

With the return leg set to be played in neighbouring Togo — a neutral venue, Coach Idah dismissed suggestions that the shift would affect their home advantage. “It’s the same for us. Togo and Benin are like the same country. We have many Benin supporters in Lome, so we will play the match in the best condition,” Idah said.

Meanwhile, Benin U17 midfielder Osseni Emilia expressed confidence in her team’s readiness and hunger to fight for qualification. “We have prepared well. The team that has come here has had many training sessions, so we are ready to fight because our objective is to qualify for the World Cup. We will do everything to win the match here in Zambia.”