Zambia's Copper Princesses Secure Narrow 2-1 Win Over Ethiopia in U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifier
Zambia's U-17 women's national football team, the Copper Princesses, have taken a slim 2-1 lead against Ethiopia in the first leg of the final round of the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers. The crucial match took place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday. Precious Mwewa opened the scoring for the Copper Princesses in the 14th minute, converting a close-range opportunity to give her team an early advantage. Ethiopia managed to equalize later in the game, but Zambia ultimately secured the narrow victory. This result gives Zambia a slight edge heading into the second leg of the tie.
This first-leg victory positions Zambia favorably in their quest for World Cup qualification. The competitive nature of the match, with Ethiopia equalizing before Zambia regained the lead, suggests a closely contested tie. The outcome highlights the importance of home advantage in knockout football and the potential for fine margins to decide progression. As the teams prepare for the second leg, both will need to analyze tactical approaches, player performance, and potential adjustments to overcome the deficit or extend their lead, demonstrating the strategic depth required in international youth tournaments.
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