Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

The countdown is on!

In 𝟏𝟔 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬, welcomes 𝟏𝟔 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 for the first time ever.

A new era begins. ❤️‍🔥

ROAD TO MOROCCO 2026: Copper Princesses Arrive in Addis Ababa

The Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team has safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ahead of the final-round second leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

The Copper Princesses departed Lusaka this afternoon.

The team’s flight touched down at Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport at exactly 20:28 local time, 19:28 Zambian time.

Zambia will now turn its full attention to the crucial encounter scheduled for Sunday, 12 July 2026.

The second leg will determine which side secures a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the Copper Princesses aiming to qualify for a third consecutive time.

ROAD TO MOROCCO 2026: Copper Princesses Leave for Ethiopia

The Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team departed for Addis Ababa this afternoon ahead of the crucial final round, second-leg FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

The Copper Princesses left via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka at 15h45, carrying the hopes of the nation as they chase a third consecutive appearance at the global showpiece.

Zambia holds a narrow advantage from the first leg played in Lusaka and will be looking to seal qualification on Ethiopian soil.

Head Coach Carol Kanyemba said the team is fully focused and understands what is at stake in Addis Ababa.

“This is the final chance for the team to make it to the U-17 FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” Kanyemba said before departure.

“We have prepared well, the girls are motivated, and our target is clear. We are going there to finish the job and book our place.”

Zambia has represented Africa at the last two editions of the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022 and 2024, and Kanyemba believes maintaining that consistency will be key for the development of women’s football in the country.

Team captain Taonga Mubanga said the squad is confident going into the return leg.

“The mood in camp is good. We know it won’t be easy playing away, but we are ready and our aim is to score more goals,” Mubanga said.

“As a team we are optimistic that we will get a positive result and make Zambians proud. We want to go to the World Cup again.”

The Copper Princesses are expected to have one training session in Addis Ababa before the match later this week.

FAZ officials accompanying the team have urged fans back home to continue rallying behind the girls as they aim to fly the Zambian flag high once again on the world stage.

COSAFA MOURNS MWAPE!

FAZ mourns former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is saddened to learn of the death of former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape. Mwape, 67, died this morning at Nchanga South Mine Hospital in Chingola after a short illness. FAZ President Keith Mweemba says Mwape’s death is a great loss to the Zambian football fa...

FAZ MOURNS FORMER COPPER QUEENS COACH BRUCE MWAPE

Press Statement
(For Immediate Release)
Football Association of Zambia
Football House, Lusaka

9th July, 2026

FAZ MOURNS MWAPE

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is saddened to learn of the death of former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape.
Mwape, 67, died this morning at Nchanga South Mine Hospital in Chingola after a short illness.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba says Mwape’s death is a great loss to the Zambian football family.

“The death of Coach Mwape is a huge shock to the football family and the nation as a whole. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and can only wish them God’s strength at this hour,” says Mweemba.
“Everyone recognises Coach Mwape’s contribution to our game especially his reign as Copper Queens coach where he took the team to unimaginable heights. He took the Copper Queens to back-to-back Olympics (Tokyo 2020&Paris 2024), WAFCON bronze in 2022 and the first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in Australia/New Zealand.”

“It is a day of great loss, but Mwape leaves a great legacy.”
Mweemba says FAZ will give full details in due course but indicated that secretariat is in touch with the family in Chingola.

Mwape’s son Chikonde says his father suffered a suspected stroke on Tuesday last week and was later hospitalised leading to his eventual death.

Mwape was appointed Copper Queens coach in 2018 and qualified the Copper Queens to a record three WAFCON tournaments (2018, 2022, 2024 played in 2025).

His took Zambia to back-to-back Olympics (Tokyo 2020&Paris 2024) and a historic FIFA World Cup in 2023.

Mwape also previously served as Under-17 Men’s National Team coach in 2015.

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Nkweto Tembwe
HEAD OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

From Zambia's footballing giants to resilient underdogs, each team chased glory and the chance to make history in the 2026 Absa Cup with a K1.1 million prize, the largest prize in the tournament’s history.

Catch all the thrills, goals, and drama. Watch the 2026 Absa Cup short film tonight on ZNBC.

Time: 8:30pm
Date: 8 July 2026
Channel: ZNBC TV1

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS👏

Congratulations LUSAKA PROVINCE👏