KANYEMBA LAUDS DOMINANT PRINCESSES
…The determination of the girls made us win, qualify for World Cup
By Cecilia Nayame
ZAMBIA Under-17 women’s national team coach Carol Kanyemba has commended the players for their determination and good performance during the qualifiers for 2025 Morocco FIFA World Cup.
And Kanyemba is impressed with the team’s determination during the final round of qualifiers against Benin played in Lome, Togo on Saturday.
Speaking in a post-match interview after a 6-2 win aggregate against the West Africans, Kanyemba attributed the team’s impressive performance to adequate preparations.
She said the team remained focused despite playing in a foreign land.
“What made us win was the determination the girls had. The attitude they portrayed against our opponents also brought a lot of change to the game and Benin failed to cope,” Kanyemba said.
She described Benin as a tough opponent and expressed happiness that the players approached the match with a positive attitude.
“Our plan was not to allow any goals, unfortunately, that did not work on our side as we allowed them to score. But, nevertheless, we are happy that they [players] did not lose concentration despite a few errors which were noticed,” Kanyemba said.
She commended Benin for giving her players a good run for their qualification.
“Benin was at their level best, unfortunately, luck was not on their side. Otherwise, we made a good preparation ahead of the match because it was not going to be an easy game for us.
“It is important that we told the girls to concentrate more on the pitch if we are to qualify and add value to our CVs [curriculum vitae],” she said.
Skipper Mercy Chipasula expressed happiness that she would lead the team to the World Cup for a second time.
“It’s my first time to be in charge of the team as a captain. The journey has not been easy although my prayer has always been that one day, I should help my team qualify for the World Cup and here we are today,” she said.
Chipasula urged fellow players to continue working hard.
“I am impressed with the results, it makes me feel good as a captain. It’s a good feeling that I have managed to lead the team to its second World Cup,” she said.
Chipasula who was influential throughout the qualifiers, said the road to the World Cup was not easy.
“The qualifiers have not been easy the fact that all the teams we played against wanted to qualify for the World Cup…we are thanking all our supporters for believing in us, we promise that we will not disappoint even as we begin preparations for the World Cup,” she said.
Benin coach Idah Azonsou expressed disappointment with the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
“In future we are going to work on our approach and also work on our defense because that is what has cost us a lot a lot in a match against Zambia,” she said.
Chipasula scored a brace with a stunning early goals while Victoria Mbali and Ruth Mukoma a goal each in the 1-4 victory over Benin.
Zambia beat Tanzania 5-0 on aggregate and went on to beat Benin 6-2 to book a ticket to the World Cup set for December this year in Morocco.
ENDS.
