FIFA U-17 (WWC): Zambia midfielder ruled out of Rwanda clash

Zambia U-17 women’s national team Copper Princesses midfielder Jessica Choolwe Johnson will miss Zambia’s trip to Rwanda for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Zambia will be away to Rwanda in Kigali on April 17 at the Pele Stadium before hosting the East Africans five days later at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium with the winner qualifying to the second round where either Djibouti or DR Congo await.

ROAD TO MOROCCO 2026: Kanyemba Unveils 36 Member U17 Provisional Squad for April FWWCQ Against Rwanda pic.twitter.com/ihB0jMohNQ

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) February 13, 2026

The Copper Princesses head coach Carol Kanyemba said Johnson’s club, Aston Villa, confirmed she is unavailable due to upcoming school examinations in England.

Zambia will not replace Johnson

“We have been informed by Aston Villa that Jessica will not be able to join the team in time for the first leg in Kigali,” Kanyemba told FAZ Media.

Kanyemba said the technical bench will not replace Johnson but will work with the 35 players that are currently in camp. Johnson has been balancing school and football.

Johnson had been summoned in Kanyemba’s 36-member provisional squad ahead of the two-legged affair. The U-17 FIFA World Cup qualification process covers three rounds which will result in four flag carriers for Africa who will join already hosts Morocco whose ticket is automatic.

Kanyemba has been overseeing preparations over phased camps that saw her assess new comers before narrowing her options to the 36 lasses.

The team will be trimmed further in the final week of preparations. Zambia has qualified for the last two U17 FIFA World Cups and is looking to adding a third consecutive ticket.

Morocco has been awarded the rights to host five consecutive U17 FIFA women world cups with the tournament now held on a yearly basis.

The first ever participation in the U17 FIFA World Cup was in 2014 which birthed stars like Barbra Banda, Ireene Lungu, Grace Chanda, Martha Tembo, Hazel Nali and Mary Wilombe.

Zambia full provisional squad;

Goalkeepers; Mary Nyangu (Yasa Queens), Decent Mbewe (National Assembly), Bukata Kakumbi (Police Doves), Carol Mweetwa (Barts Queens), Charity Zulu (Choma Warriors).

Defenders; Patrina Moonga (Kalomo), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro Academy), Esther Ngabwe (Elite Ladies), Tabitha Nyirenda, Ruth Nachivula (both Driven Queens), (Febby Musonda (Bwacha Pirates), Chricencia Phiri (Radar Queens), Peace Muleya (Pemba Queens), Beatrice Njobvu (Red Arrows), Salome Nalwimba (Sporting Doves).

Midfielders; Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Taonga Mubanga (Yasa Queens), Natasha Chileshe (ZISD Women), Precious Mwewa, Dorcas Mulosha (both Candice Girls Academy), Leah Mulenga (Chalube Queens), Lillian Mwenda (Elite Ladies), Falesi Fitili (Luanshya Arts), Veronica Phiri (Yasa Queens), Susan Mulungwa (Green Eagles), Fridah Mupeta (Power Dynamos), Fatima Chulu Nampundwe Queens).

Strikers; Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Faith Kapilingo (Elite Ladies), Blessings Mutale (Young Green Buffaloes), Josephine Change (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Elozabeth Mofya (Green Buffaloes), Blessings Kabangula (Stars Queens), Ethel Njobvu (Young Green Buffaloes), Janet Musonda (Ingwe Girls).