The Zambia U20 Women’s National team’s campaign to qualify for the 2024 Colombia FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup got off to a slow start.
It follows a 2-2 draw with their counterparts from the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday at Nkoloma Stadium.
Zambia needs to win the following weekend in order to advance to the next round as a result of the draw.
Lydia Shamalima put the home side ahead in the 4th minute, Mary Mbewe added the second in the 60th minute.
Ruth Nyamboki and Gloria Nosa scored goals for the guests, forcing a draw, in the 17th and 67th minutes, respectively.
The Copper Queens, who had recently made their international debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand/Australia, represented Zambia at the U17 World Cup.
And the Copper Princesses have a task to repeat their seniors’ success by becoming the first team to qualify for the U20 World Cup.
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On October 14, the two teams will square off in the second leg of the qualifications with the victor advancing to the third round to face either South Africa or Burundi.
