Copper Princesses assistant coach Naomi Phiri says the team is ready for Sunday’s decisive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
Speaking after the team’s first training session in Addis Ababa, Phiri said the players had settled in well and looked sharp ahead of the return leg.
“We had a good training session and the players looked good. We are also happy that Natasha Kasema is back with the team after recovering from the knock she picked up during training in Ndola,” said Phiri.
The boost comes after Kasema returned to full fitness, giving the technical bench an additional attacking option for the crucial encounter.
Striker Prodia Mwiinga also expressed confidence ahead of the match, saying Friday’s training focused on sharpening the team’s attacking play.
“It was a good training session. We worked on improving our attack, and everyone is focused on the game,” said Mwiinga.
And head of delegation Samantha Miyanda urged the players to remain focused and avoid complacency despite taking an advantage into the second leg.
“For the girls. They should not underestimate Ethiopia especially that they (Zambia) know that they have qualified for the World Cup before. They should take it as a new game so that they can win and win handsomely.” Said Miyanda.
The Copper Princesses head into Sunday’s clash with a slender 2-1 advantage after edging Ethiopia in the first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The final round of the African qualifiers concludes this weekend, with four teams set to secure places at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026. The four aggregate winners will join hosts Morocco at the tournament, which will be held from 17 October to 7 November 2026.
