Zambia’s Copper Princesses have stormed into the final of the 2025 COSAFA U-17 Women’s Championship for the fifth straight year, following an emphatic 5-1 victory over Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon.
Carol Kanyemba’s side delivered a dominant performance, with Natasha Kasema netting a brace, while Hellen Banda, Beatrice Njobvu, and Grace Phiri each added a goal. Zimbabwe’s lone consolation came courtesy of Dee Winnie Mapuwa.
Captain Ruth Mukoma came close to adding a sixth for Zambia, but her penalty was denied by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tanyaradzw Nyakuchena. Despite the missed opportunity, Mukoma was instrumental throughout the match, providing two assists and playing a key role in the build-up to most of Zambia’s goals.
“Today we were able to see the kind of football that we want from the girls,” Kanyemba said after the match. “Going into the final with the right tactical play gives me a lot of motivation.”
This latest triumph means Zambia has now reached the COSAFA U-17 Women’s Championship final five times in a row. They previously lifted the trophy in 2021 after defeating Botswana 4-1, and again in 2024 with a record-breaking 15-0 win over Lesotho.
However, they also suffered narrow defeats in the 2020 and 2022 finals—losing 4-3 on penalties to Tanzania after a 1-1 draw, and 4-3 to South Africa in a hard-fought clash.
The Copper Princesses will now face the winner of the Malawi vs Mozambique semi-final in tomorrow’s final, as they aim to defend their title and claim a third COSAFA U-17 crown.
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