Future Copper Queens March On: Zambia U-20 Women Defeat Burundi to Set Up Uganda Clash

The Zambia U-20 Women's National Team, the 'Future Copper Queens,' secured their passage to the next round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Qualifiers with a convincing 2-0 victory over Burundi in the second leg of their second-round tie.

Playing at home, the Young Copper Queens wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Edith Phiri opened the scoring early in the 9th minute, followed by Mercy Chipasula netting a crucial second goal in the 43rd minute to ensure a comfortable lead going into the break.

This 2-0 home win, combined with a 2-1 victory achieved in the away leg in Bujumbura, saw Zambia triumph with a 4-1 aggregate scoreline.

The result means the Future Copper Queens' dream of reaching the global stage shines "brighter like a star" and sets up an exciting third-round regional derby against Uganda U-20, who had earlier advanced after beating Namibia 5-0 on aggregate.