Zambia Under-17 Women’s national team coach Carol Kayemba says nerves and defensive lapses cost her side in their 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in their opening FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group F match on Sunday.

The Copper Princesses made a bright start, taking the lead in the 10th minute through Victoria Mbali, but two own goals — from goalkeeper Mary Nyangu in the 18th minute and Nana Malanda in the 33rd — handed Paraguay all three points.

Kayemba admitted her players made so many mistakes but remained optimistic about their chances in the remaining matches.

“We need a lot of concentration in the back and in goal. Our goalkeeper was a bit jittery, but this is a developmental stage. We’ve seen the errors and will work on them,” Kayemba said.

“The girls picked up well in the second half, and we’ll build on that performance. It’s not an easy path going forward, knowing Japan and New Zealand are strong teams, but we’re not giving up. Mistakes are normal in football — it’s part of the learning process.”

The coach also emphasized the importance of mental strength and better communication ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Japan, who top the group after a 3-0 win over New Zealand. Paraguay now sits second on goal difference, while Zambia is third without a point.

Goal scorer Victoria Mbali said the team will bounce back stronger.

“I think we just need to improve our communication. We had a good game, but it just wasn’t our day. We still have two more matches, and if we win them, we can still qualify for the round of 16,” Mbali said confidently.

Zambia face Japan on Wednesday at 18:00 CAT in a must-win encounter as they look to revive their campaign and keep qualification hopes alive.