COSAFA Glory: Zambia U17 Women’s Team Lifts 2025 Trophy

The Zambia U17 Women’s National Team, the Copper Princesses, have been crowned champions of the 2025 COSAFA Girls’ Championship after a stunning 3-0 victory over Malawi in a thrilling final at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.

From the first whistle, Zambia asserted their dominance, with captain Ruth Mukoma leading the charge. She broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, expertly finishing a well-placed pass from Hellen Misozi Banda. Just three minutes later, Mukoma turned provider, setting up Natasha Kasema for a clinical strike to double the lead.

The Copper Princesses weren’t done yet—just before halftime, Gift Mazimba Chisha capitalized on a rebound from Grace Phiri’s shot, hammering home Zambia’s third to seal a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

The second half saw Zambia control the tempo with maturity, maintaining a solid defensive structure while still threatening through Banda and Kasema. Malawi struggled to break through, and the scoreline remained unchanged, confirming Zambia’s third COSAFA U17 title in style.

Individual Honors for Zambia

• Ruth Mukoma was named Player of the Tournament, continuing Zambia’s dominance after Mercy Chipasula won the award in 2024.

• Goalkeeper Bukata Kakumbi earned Goalkeeper of the Tournament, conceding just one goal in four matches.

• Namibia’s Nancy Lebang took the Golden Boot with seven goals, while runners-up Malawi received the Fair Play Award.

In a touching display of sportsmanship, bronze medalists Mozambique gave Zambia a guard of honor as the champions stepped up to collect their medals and trophy.

A Legacy of Dominance

This victory marks Zambia’s third COSAFA U17 Girls’ Championship title, adding to their previous triumphs in:

• 2021 (4-0 vs Botswana in Maseru)

• 2024 (15-0 vs Lesotho in Johannesburg)

Zambia finished the 2025 tournament with an astonishing 21 goals scored and just one conceded, proving their status as the region’s powerhouse.

Next Stop: FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup!

The Copper Princesses now turn their attention to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (October 17 – November 8), where they will represent Africa alongside hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.

With this kind of form, Zambia is ready to make waves on the global stage! ⚽