Zambia Women’s Under-17 head coach Carol Kayemba has been impressed with the level of competition in the team preparing for the 2024 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania. 

The winner of the two-legged matchup will advance to the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face the winner of Uganda versus Cameroon.

The third round will feature twelve countries, with the top six competing for Africa’s three tickets to the Dominican Republic for the tournament.

The U-17 Women’s World Cup will for the first time be hosted in the Dominican Republic from October 16– November 3, 2024.

Kanyemba has also provided a hint on how the team is likely to set up against Tanzania on February 3. 

The Under-17s have camped in Lusaka preparing for the crucial two-legged encounter.

And Kanyemba has appreciated the competition that the newcomers to the squad have brought. 

“They are getting to understand one another,” she said. “There are a few positions that we have struggled with but now we are grooming some players in those positions.

The coach also clarified that it is not all the players will be selected for the final squad.

“The new players are blending in very well and they have brought a lot of competition. It is not a must that if you were part of the team previously, then you have a position in the [final] team. “

Kanyemba on opponents

Kanyemba has revealed that her technical bench has identified physical stature as the strength of the opponents and will look to neutralize them.

“Tanzania are a good side and they are physically stronger,” she said. 

“We are working on countering their physical stature. We want the girls to go in with a very good mentality and give Tanzania a surprise from what they are expecting from us,” she added. 

Meanwhile, midfielder Lweendo Hanongo said competition has been stiff in camp. 

“I’m happy to be part of the team; it is God’s grace. The competition to get into the final squad and camp was very tough but I made it. Everyone’s aim is to qualify for the World Cup,” Hanongo said.

Hanongo was one of the players selected during the nationwide selection exercise

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Zambia will host Tanzania on February 3rd, 2024, in the first leg in Lusaka. A week later, the team will travel to Tanzania for the return leg.