Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team head coach Carol Kanyemba Daka has said the Copper Princesses’ international friendly against China will provide a crucial test of their tactical organisation and physical readiness ahead of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced on Tuesday that Zambia will face China in Rabat, Morocco, on October 9, 2026, eight days before the global tournament gets underway.
Kanyemba said the clash against the strong Asian side will give her technical bench an opportunity to fine-tune the team ahead of their Group D opener against Japan.
“Playing China in Rabat on October 9 is a vital component of our preparation for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Facing a high-calibre Asian opposition gives us the exact tactical blueprint and physical readiness we need ahead of our crucial Group D opener against Japan,” Kanyemba told BolaNews.
She believes China’s style of play will provide the Copper Princesses with the type of challenge they need before the tournament.
“China presents a disciplined, fast-paced style of play. Testing ourselves against them allows us to refine our defensive transitions, build composure under pressure, and sharpen our attack before the tournament kicks off,” she said.
The friendly will form part of Zambia’s final preparations for the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco on October 17.
The Copper Princesses will be hoping to build on their previous international tournament experience when they face some of the world’s best youth teams in Morocco.
Kanyemba says Zambia are targeting a deep run in the competition rather than simply making up the numbers.
“We are not just going to Morocco to participate; we want to build on our previous tournament experiences and advance deep into the competition,” she said.
Last year, Kanyemba’s side reached the Round of 16 for the first time after beating New Zealand 4–0 to advance, before suffering a 6–0 defeat to Canada.
