Zambia’s Copper Princesses have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup after holding Ethiopia to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final qualifying round in Addis Ababa.
Carrying a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Lusaka, the young Zambian side completed the job with a disciplined performance to progress 3-2 on aggregate and seal a third successive appearance at the global tournament.
Precious Mwewa put Zambia ahead moments after the restart to strengthen the visitors’ grip on the tie before Mihiret Ayene pulled one back for Ethiopia late in the match. However, Zambia held firm to protect its aggregate lead and confirm qualification.
The result continues Zambia’s impressive rise in women’s youth football, with the Copper Princesses once again earning a place among the world’s best.
They now join hosts Morocco and three other African nations at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, which will take place from 17 October to 7 November 2026.
By Taonga Nk’homa
