Zambia U17 women’s national team began their COSAFA Girls’ Championship title defense with a comfortable 4-0 win over Mozambique in Namibia — but head coach Carol Kanyemba was quick to admit the performance fell short of expectations.
Despite the dominant display, Kanyemba revealed that the team had aimed for more goals to match their preparation levels.
“We were hoping to score more than five goals considering the way we had prepared,” she said in her post-match interview. “We had some bad decision-making in the final third but what’s important is that we have won the first game”
Captain Ruth Mukoma gave Zambia a flying start with the opening goal in the 6th minute. Grace Phiri made it 2-0 before the break with a well-taken strike in the 35th minute.
Debutant Natasha Kasema added the third in 77th minute, marking her first appearance for the national team with a memorable goal. Mukoma then sealed the win with her second of the match, scoring Zambia’s fourth and final goal late in the game.
Kanyemba credited Zambia’s strong youth football setup for producing a team capable of performing at such a level.
“First Win Is Important”- Kanyemba.
“I can say the secret is back home — the leagues have really improved in our home country and a lot of girls play in each and every game,” she explained. “We have a lot of regional leagues that are taking part in that we are able to tap talent at a very tender age.”
Zambia has consistently made its mark in youth football in the region, and Kanyemba believes that consistency is no coincidence.
“The growth of women’s football in developmental leagues has really contributed to us having a team that is formidable and can come here and challenge at COSAFA year in, year out,” she said.
With an early three points and a clean sheet, the defending champions have laid down a marker in Namibia.
“First win in the first game is the most important game of the tournament because it sets the pace for us to go into the second game with confidence,” Kanyemba concluded.
