FIFA U-17 (WWC): Zambia coach Kanyemba warns against complacency

Zambia women U-17 national team coach Carol Kanyemba believes their 2-0 first leg advantage over Rwanda could prove to be a double-edged sword as her side heads into the decisive return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Wednesday.

Kanyemba said while the away results give the Copper Princesses control of the tie, it also brings added pressure, with expectations firmly on her team to finish the job.

Zambia women U-17 national team coach Carol Kanyemba believes their 2-0 first leg advantage over Rwanda could prove to be a double-edged sword as her side heads into the decisive return leg of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier. pic.twitter.com/GPxAfZPF20

— Dennis Mabuka (@DennisMabu4694) April 22, 2026

The Copper Princesses will head into the match buoyed by goals from Precious Mwewa and Grace Phiri, whose strikes in Kigali handed the Copper Princesses control of the tie.

Rwanda will play with nothing to lose

“A 2-0 lead gives us an advantage, but it also puts pressure on us because people expect us to qualify. Rwanda is coming into this game with nothing to lose, and that makes them even more dangerous,” Kanyemba told FAZ Media.

Kanyemba further warned her players against complacency, stressing the need for focus and discipline throughout the match.

“We have to stay alert and approach this game with the seriousness it deserves. At this level, anything can change if you lose concentration,” added Kanyemba.

The Zambian coach reiterated her desire to see the Copper Princesses become a regular fixture at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, saying consistent qualification is key to development.

Zambia want to play better than first leg

Captain Taonga Mubanga acknowledged the weight of expectation but remained confident in the team’s ability to deliver.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we are ready. We want to play better than we did in the first leg and make sure we finish the job and qualify,” said Mubanga.

However, Rwanda coach Oscarie Iragena believes the contest is far from over and has backed her side to respond despite the deficit.

“It is not easy, but it is possible for us. We are coming into this match to express ourselves and fight for a win. The first game was a challenge, but we take positives from it,” Iragena said.

She pointed to her team’s improved second half display in the first leg as a sign that Rwanda can still turn the tie around.

“We showed improvement before, especially in the second half, and we want to build on that. Football is unpredictable, and we believe we can do better this time,” she added.

Rwanda captain Challon Bateta said the players have worked on correcting their mistakes and are ready to put up a strong fight.

“We have learned from the first game. This time, we will do things better and give everything on the pitch,” said Bateta.

With a place in the next round against the Democratic Republic of Congo at stake, both teams head into the clash fully aware that while Zambia holds the advantage, the outcome remains open and pressure will play as big a role as quality on the day.