“Group F is Tough, but We’re Ready to Work” — Coach Carol Kanyemba Reacts to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Draw

Zambian national women’s Copper Princesses head coach Carol Kanyemba has described the team’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 group as “tricky,” but expressed readiness to rise to the challenge.

According to the official draw conducted on Thursday in Rabat, Zambia has been placed in Group F alongside Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay, a familiar test that rekindles memories of their 4-1 defeat to Japan in the previous edition of the tournament.

“It’s a very tricky group with Japan, New Zealand and Paraguay. We meet Japan for the second time, not an easy feat; we were praying not to meet them because they gave us a tough time last time,” said Coach Kanyemba.

Despite the challenge, the coach remains confident in her team’s mindset and development since their World Cup debut last year.

“Meeting Japan for the second time is not really child’s play, but they gave us a good test and we had a good run. I bet some of the girls that we came with at the World Cup last year are very positive and they want to do something better.”

Zambia’s maiden outing at the global tournament may not have met expectations, but the team is determined to deliver a stronger performance this year.

“We had our first outing last year which wasn’t good enough, but regardless of the teams that have been placed in our team, we want to do the best and we want to work hard. As coaches, it’s a lot of work and as I said earlier on, our video analyst jobs and our job as coaches start now.”

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025 will take place from October 17 to November 8, with all matches set to be played in Rabat, marking the first time the tournament will be hosted on African soil.

As the Copper Princesses gear up for this historic opportunity, Coach Kanyemba and her staff are focused on intense preparations to ensure the team represents Zambia with pride on the world stage.