Zambia secure friendlies ahead of U17 FIFA World Cup in Morocco

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has clinched two international friendly matches for the FIFA World Cup bound U17 Women National Team.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed that the Copper Princesses will face Cameroon and Colombia in warm up matches in Morocco. Shepande further said FAZ is still exploring more opponent-aligned tests for the team that left for Morocco on (Saturday) for a 14-day pre-tournament camp.

“We are happy to announce that FAZ has organized high level friendly matches for the U17 Women National Team as part of ensuring that the girls are well prepared for the tournament,” said Shepande as quoted by FAZ Media.

Zambia will play first friendly against Cameroon

“The first friendly will be against Cameroon on October 9 before playing Colombia on October 14 in Morocco. Both matches will be played behind closed doors as part of helping the technical teams of the participating sides sharpen up ahead of the World Cup.”

The team which is in Group F alongside Paraguay, Japan and New Zealand will set up base in Morocco where they are expected to play some preparatory matches. FAZ has organized a 14-day international camp for the Copper Princesses in Morocco before the team starts its campaign.

Zambia to kick off World Cup campaign against Paraguay

Zambia’s opening match is on 19 October 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.

Zambia has qualified to three World Cups at U17 level for the women from 2014, 2024 and 2025.