FIFA U-17 (WWC): Zambia targeting strong start against Rwanda – Kanyemba

Zambia U-17 women’s national team has departed for Kigali, Rwanda ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with head coach Carol Kanyemba expressing confidence in her side.

The Copper Princesses will take on hosts Rwanda in the first leg on April 17, 2026, before hosting the return fixture a week later in Ndola.

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

Speaking before departure at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Kanyemba said the team has been in camp for two weeks with several new players.

Kanyemba wary of Rwanda threats

Kanyemba noted the match will provide valuable international exposure for the new players and will help assess the team’s performance. She added the team is aiming for a strong start to the qualifiers despite the challenge posed by the hosts.

Kanyemba has since urged the players to give their best and called on fans to continue supporting the team. Meanwhile, team captain Taonga Mubanga expressed confidence in the team’s chances.

Mubanga urged her teammates to remain focused and encouraged the new players to perform with confidence. She also called on fans to rally behind the team as they push for qualification.

The U17 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.

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 travelling squad to face Rwanda;

Goalkeepers; Mary Nyangu (Yasa Queens), Bukata Kakumbi (Police Doves Queens), Carol Mweetwa (Barts Queens).

Defenders; Faith Kaunda (Zedpro Academy), Esther Ngabwe (The Elite Ladies), Tabitha Nyirenda (Driven Queens), Beatrice Njobvu (Red Arrows), Salome Nalwimba (Sporting Doves).

Midfielders; Natasha Kasema (Green Buffaloes), Taonga Mubanga (YASA Queens), Precious Mwewa (Candice Girls Academy), Leah Mulenga (Chalube Queens), Lillian Mwenda (The Elite Ladies), Dorcas Mulosha (Candice Girls Academy), Falesi Fitili (Luanshya Arts), Susan Mulungwa (Green Eagles).

Strikers; Grace Phiri (Indeni Roses), Faith Kapilingo (The Elite Ladies), Blessings Silani Mutale (Young Green Buffaloes), Josephine Change (Nchanga Rangers Queens), Elizabeth Mofya (Green Buffaloes).