U-17 Women’s World Cup: Zambia qualification evidence of hard work – Kanyemba

Zambia women’s national team U-17 coach Carol Kanyemba has discussed the team’s progress to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup featuring 24 teams in Morocco on Saturday.

The Copper Princesses finished the group stage with a flourish as they secured their first victory of the tournament to seal their progress to the Round of 16 as one of the top third-placed teams.

Zambia seized the advantage midway through the opening half courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from Victoria Mbali, who controlled the ball down on the edge of the area, weaved past a New Zealand defender and hammered home with the outside of her boot.

The African side doubled their lead just before the break as captain Mercy Chipasula cannoned the ball off the crossbar from 20 yards out and into the net. Masela Sekeseke and Grace Phiri capped the victory with fine right-footed strikes.

‘It was an excellent performance

Speaking after the game, Kanyemba told FIFA.com: “It’s the best feeling, I want to say thank you to God who made it possible for girls to have strength, to have concentration and get us a clean sheet, and it’s our first clean sheet as well.

“It was excellent, it was a wonderful experience for everyone because the girls put in their all and I think the result is evidence of what you get out of hard work and concentration. So I think it’s a big lesson for the girls.”

Zambia finished third in Group F and will now face Canada in the Round of 16 at Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 1) on Wednesday.