Zambia Under17 Beats Benin In The First Leg Of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Third Round Qualifier

Captain Mercy Chipasula bagged a brace as the Zambia U17 Women’s National Team edged Benin 2-1 in the first leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup third round qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Copper Princesses’ opener came in the 15th minute when Chipasula curled home a beauty from outside the box to send the crowd into wild celebration.

Benin, however, found a way back into the match when Yenido Gandonou equalized in the 58th minute, momentarily silencing the home crowd.

Zambia’s response was almost immediate when Chipasula stepped up once again just two minutes later to restore the lead with a perfectly executed free-kick that left the Benin goalkeeper Saizonou Larissa with no chance.

Despite numerous opportunities to widen the gap, Zambia settled for a 2-1 victory, taking an advantage into the second leg which will be played in neutral Togo on 26 April 2025.

The aggregate winner of this two-legged tie will qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 to be held in October.