The Zambia U17 Women’s National Team were crowned champions of the 2025 COSAFA Girls’ Championship after overpowering Malawi 3-0 in a one-sided final at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday.

Captain Ruth Mukoma led by example as she opened the scoring in the 24th minute, finishing off a clever assist from Hellen Misozi Banda. Three minutes later, Mukoma turned provider, setting up Natasha Kasema to double the lead with a composed strike.

Just before the halftime whistle, Gift Mazimba Chisha put the result beyond doubt when she pounced on a rebound from Grace Phiri’s effort to fire home Zambia’s third, sealing a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

The Copper Princesses managed the second half with maturity, maintaining their defensive shape and creating further chances through Banda and Kasema, though the scoreline remained unchanged in favour of Zambia who collected their third COSAFA U17 title in style.

Captain Ruth Mukoma was named Player of the Tournament, following in the footsteps of her immediate predecessor Mercy Chipasula, who claimed the same award in 2024. Goalkeeper Bukata Kakumbi earned Goalkeeper of the Tournament after conceding only once in four matches. The Golden Boot went to Namibian striker Nancy Lebang with seven goals, while the Fair Play Award was given to runners-up Malawi.

Bronze medalists Mozambique demonstrated great sportsmanship by giving Zambia a guard of honour as the champions walked up to receive their medals and trophy.

This triumph marks Zambia’s third COSAFA U17 Girls’ Championship title after victories in 2021 (4-0 over Botswana in Maseru) and 2024 (15-0 over Lesotho in Johannesburg). They finish the 2025 tournament with an impressive 21 goals scored and just one conceded.

The Copper Princesses will now shift their focus to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held from 17 October – 8 November 2025, where they will represent Africa alongside hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.