ALL TO PLAY FOR

…Kanyemba unfazed by Ethiopia’s goal against Princesses

COPPER Princesses coach Carol Kanyemba says her team is comforted by Ethiopia having scored a goal in last Saturday’s FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The Copper Princesses, who scrapped a 2-1 first leg victory, leave for Addis Ababa today for the second leg fixture this Saturday.

“The encouragement we gave the girls is that if they can score on our soil, we can equally do the same,” Kanyemba said.

Ethiopia managed to grab a crucial away goal to leave the tie wide open in the second leg.

The 2-1 result means Zambia only need a goalless draw or win in the return leg to seal a third straight appearance at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Zambia were on course to getting the much wanted healthy win when Precious Mwewa struck in the 14th minute, turning in a Grace Phiri’s low cross.

“I was sure that our plan of getting more than three goals was possible,” she said.

The goal lifted the Copper Princesses, who began to press higher and pin Ethiopia inside their own half.

However, five minutes before the interval, Ethiopia found their equaliser after Ayele Mihret bent a well-struck free-kick over the wall and beyond goalkeeper Bukata Kakumbi.

Kanyemba said the equaliser by Ethiopia changed the complexion of the match.

“That was a lot of pressure for me and the team because it meant a mountain to climb in Ethiopia,” she said.

After conceding, Zambia came out with greater urgency after the restart and regained the lead in the 54th minute.

Substitute Phidah Mazuwa made an instant impact, rising above the defence to head home Faith Kaunda’s teasing cross.

And Ethiopia coach Rawda Ali believes the away goal has kept her side firmly in the contest.

Ali is expecting another tough contest as Zambia will be looking to sit deep and defend their advantage.

“It is a good result for us. We plan to play a good game in our country. The good thing is we managed to score a goal at their home ground. So we hope to go back home and get more goals,” Ali said.