Zambia women’s national under-17 football team delivered an impressive performance to defeat DR Congo women’s national under-17 football team 5-0 in their FIFA World Cup qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Copper Princesses produced a commanding display throughout the contest, showing significant improvement from the side that had earlier faced Rwanda in the opening round of the qualifiers.
Zambia appeared sharper in attack, more organised defensively and composed in midfield as they controlled the match from start to finish against the visitors from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The victory was widely seen as evidence of the extensive preparations undertaken by the team before the qualifier.
The Football Association of Zambia had moved quickly to organise an early training camp in Lusaka, where the squad spent more than two weeks working on fitness, tactical preparation and team understanding.
Following the initial phase of preparations in the capital, the team relocated to Ndola on May 17 to complete final training ahead of the match.
The lengthy camp allowed the technical staff enough time to assess player combinations and improve coordination across the squad.
As preparations progressed, the players appeared increasingly comfortable together, and that understanding was reflected in the team’s performance against DR Congo.
Zambia moved the ball confidently, pressed effectively as a unit and maintained discipline across the pitch during the one-sided encounter.
The preparations also included competitive practice matches aimed at improving the team physically and mentally before the qualifier.
The Copper Princesses faced Red Arrows Women FC as well as a boys’ side from ZESCO United FC in training matches designed to raise the intensity of preparations.
Those games were intended to improve decision-making, sharpen match fitness and help the players adapt to competitive conditions before facing DR Congo.
By the time Zambia took to the field at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the squad looked confident and well prepared for the challenge ahead.
The result also appeared to support the approach consistently advocated by Keith Mweemba, president of the Football Association of Zambia, who has repeatedly highlighted the importance of early preparation for national teams.
The comprehensive victory was therefore viewed not only as a positive result on the pitch but also as an indication that careful planning and extended preparation can have a major impact on performance.
Zambia’s dominance throughout the contest demonstrated the benefits of the work completed in camp, with the players displaying improved chemistry and tactical discipline.
After the final whistle, FAZ president Mweemba joined the players in celebrating the victory at the stadium, marking the conclusion of a successful evening for the Copper Princesses.
The emphatic win now gives Zambia momentum and confidence as the team continues its campaign in the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup qualifiers.
For the technical bench and football authorities in Zambia, the performance also served as encouragement that the long-term focus on preparation and player development is beginning to produce visible results on the international stage.
