The Copper Princesses thrashed New Zealand 4-0 to secure their first win of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 in the process reaching the knock out stage for the very first time. Zambia went into the match knowing that only a win would be enough to send them into the knock out stage. After sustained pressure, Zambia finally found the back of the net, Victoria scoring her second goal of the tournament with a fine finish inside the box to open the scoring. The second did not take as long as Mercy Chipasula doubled the lead 12 minutes later with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box after being set up by Mbali. The Copper Princesses went into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead and with one foot in the knock out stage. Second half substitute, Masela Sekeseke did not take time to make an impact as she made 3-0 almost immediately, finishing off a brilliant Natasha Nkaka pass with another fine finish. Ten minutes before time, Grace Phiri scored a fourth, a stunning long range strike to make it 4-0 and seal the result. Mercy Chipasula hit the crossbar in search of the fifth but New Zealand did well stop a motivated Zambia side from scoring any more goals as the match ended 4-0. Midfielder Taonga Mubanga was named as the player of the match after a fantastic shift in the middle of the park. The Copper Princesses are through to the last 16 as one of the best third placed teams. Zambia will face Group D winners Canada on Wednesday. Canada’s best showing at the tournament was fourth in 2018. It made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014. FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Full Time New Zealand 0 – 4 Zambia (Victoria Mbali 32′, Mercy Chipasula 44′, Masela Sekeseke 68′, Grace Phiri 80′)
