FAZ President Mweemba Congratulates U17 Girls on COSAFA Semi-Final Spot
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has applauded the Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team for their emphatic performance and qualification to the semi-finals of the 2025 COSAFA Girls’ Under-17 Championship currently taking place in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Copper Princesses stormed into the last four with a commanding 9-0 victory over Mauritius at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, finishing top of Group B with a perfect record. The win not only reaffirmed Zambia’s dominance in the group but also showcased the team’s attacking firepower and hunger for success.
In a statement released by FAZ, President Mweemba extended warm congratulations to both the players and the technical bench for their exceptional efforts and discipline throughout the group stage.
“Congratulations to the players and technical bench for securing a semifinal spot at the ongoing tournament,” said Mweemba. “We urge you not to be complacent and aim to defend the title to reinforce our status as regional giants.”
Zambia are the reigning champions of the COSAFA Girls’ Under-17 Championship and are targeting a record third title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2021 and again in 2024.
Mweemba also reminded the team that the COSAFA campaign forms a key part of the preparations for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled for November 2025.
“Be mindful that this is part of the preparations for the FIFA World Cup in November, so you are encouraged to be at your best,” he added.
The Zambian side, coached by Carol Kanyemba, has been in impressive form, scoring freely and showing signs of depth across all departments. However, Kanyemba has already called for improved decision-making and better coordination, especially in the attacking third, ahead of the knockout stages.
Zambia will face the winners of Group C, which features 2024 finalists Lesotho, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, in the semi-finals set for Thursday, 16 May at 12h00 CAT.
With two COSAFA titles already in their cabinet and the team’s sights firmly set on reclaiming the crown, the Copper Princesses are expected to approach the next stage with renewed focus and determination.
Zambia remains the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having emerged champions in 2021 and 2024 since the competition’s inception in 2019.
The road to a historic third title continues, and with the backing of FAZ and the nation, the Copper Princesses carry not just the hopes of victory, but the pride of Zambian women’s football on their shoulders.
