Kanyemba unveils Zambia squad for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup

Zambia U17 Women’s National Team coach Carol Kanyemba has unveiled a 35-member provisional squad to begin preparations for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled from 17 October to 8 November 2025.

Captain Mercy Chipasula headlines the Copper Princesses squad that also includes experienced defenders Nana Malanda, Natasha Nkaka and Precious Mwape, midfield ace Taonga Mubanga and striker Masela Sekeseke.

The Copper Princesses will be making their return to the global stage where they have been drawn in Group F alongside Japan, New Zealand and Paraguay.

Zambia will kick off their campaign against Paraguay on 19 October, face Japan on 22 October, before wrapping up the group stage against New Zealand on 25 October.

GOALKEEPERS; Loveness Chingwele (MUZA Queens), Bukata Kakumbi (Police Doves Queens), Mary Nyangu (YASA Queens), Decent Mbewe (National Assembly), Winfridah Mutale (The Elite Ladies).

DEFENDERS; Nana Malanda (Green Buffaloes), Precious Mwape (Luyando Foundation Girls), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles), Lweendo Hanongo, Tabitha Nyirenda (both Driven Queens), Gift Chisha Mazimba, Esther Ngabwe (both The Elite Ladies), Beatrice Njobvu (Red Arrows), Faith Kaunda (ZedPro Academy), Theresa Mubiana (Play It Forward).

MIDFIELDERS; Taonga Mubanga (YASA Queens), Sharon Siakaloba (Pemba Queens), Natasha Kasema (Ingwe Girls), Jessica Johnson (Aston Villa), Esther Makoti (Amazing Grace), Taonga Tembo (Young Green Buffaloes), Leah Mulenga (Chalube Queens), Brenda Lombanya Mwewa (Nchanga Rangers), Natasha Chileshe (ZESCO Ndola Girls). Faith Kagila (ZedPro Academy), Precious Mwewa (Candice Girls).

STRIKERS; Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens), Hellen Sichamba, Precious Mwananyambe (both The Elite Ladies), Masela Sekeseke (Red Arrows), Grace Phiri (Play It Forward), Victoria Mbali (Young Green Buffaloes), Caroline Nsondo (Choma Warriors), Blessing Chiumya (Nkana Queens), Rudrah Longa (Mo Peace Academy).