Kanyemba reveals Zambia ready for friendlies ahead of U17 FIFA World Cup

Zambia coach Carol Kanyemba has revealed her delight for the Copper Princesses to gauge their preparedness for the upcoming U17 FIFA World Cup in Morocco with top friendly matches.

The Copper Princesses departed for Morocco on Saturday for a pre-tournament training camp in Casablanca. Zambia have secured friendly matches against Cameroon, Canada, and Colombia.

“The preparation has been going on well despite having minor injuries. But we believe we have carried the best team,” Kanyemba said before departure. “We are happy for the friendlies that have been lined up for us that will be able to help us gauge the level at which our team is.”

She added: “We feel we have prepared, but we want to see how prepared we are if we face different opponents from different groups.”

Zambia FA will leave no stone unturned to prepare the team

Earlier on Saturday, FAZ president Keith Mweemba confirmed that Zambia will play Canada on October 12 in Casablanca in addition to the already confirmed warm up matches against Cameroon and Colombia.

“I can confirm that our girls (Copper Princesses) will play three matches. There are actually three international friendly games secured against Cameroon, Canada and Colombia on 09, 12 and 14 October, 2025 respectively,” Mweemba disclosed to FAZ Media.

Mweemba added that FAZ will leave no stone unturned in adequately preparing the Copper Princesses ahead of the World Cup.

“These friendlies were planned a long time ago and only confirmations with our opponents were being awaited. As FAZ, we will do our part and our girls must also do theirs. This is the second consecutive time the girls are going to this particular tournament; making it three times of our participation at the FIFA under 17 women’s World Cup,” he said.

Zambia’s opening match is on October 19 against Paraguay at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 3) in Sale before facing Japan three days later at the same venue. Their final game will be against New Zealand at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2).

Top two teams in each group will qualify to the knockout stages of the tournament.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.