The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has secured an international friendly match for the Copper Princesses against China as part of preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in Morocco next month.
FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya says Zambia will face China in Rabat, Morocco, on 9 October 2026. Chakatazya said the friendly will form part of the team’s final preparations ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17, 2026 in Morocco.
He said the team has already commenced preparations, with the technical bench having entered the local camp early to allow the players sufficient time to prepare for the global tournament.
“As part of the Copper Princesses’ preparations for the World Cup, we have secured a high-profile friendly against China to give the girls a taste of Asian football. As you know, we have Japan in Group D and so the friendly will help the girls a lot,” Chakatazya said.
He said FAZ is also working on securing two additional friendly matches against opposition from Europe and South America, in view of Zambia’s Group D assignments against France and Venezuela.
Chakatazya said FAZ is confident that the team will make a strong showing at the tournament, having gained valuable experience from its participation at the previous two editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“This team is going to the World Cup for the third consecutive time, having reached the Round of 16 at the 2025 edition. As FAZ, we will do everything possible to give the Carol Kanyemba-led technical bench the necessary support to prepare the team adequately and compete at the highest level,” he said.
Chakatazya said FAZ remains committed to providing the Copper Princesses with the necessary preparations and support as they make their third consecutive appearance at the global showpiece.
