Zambia’s U-17 women’s team delivered a commanding performance on home soil, securing a crucial 3-1 victory over Morocco in the first leg of the fourth and final round of the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The standout player of the match was none other than Zambia’s starlet Namute Chileshe, whose exceptional performance saw her netting a sensational hat-trick, leaving the Moroccan defense in disarray and solidifying her status as one of the team’s key assets.
Chileshe wasted no time making her mark on the game, opening the scoring in the 13th minute with a display of her blistering pace and sharp finishing ability. With a precise low drive, she confidently found the back of the net, putting Zambia ahead and setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Just moments later, Chileshe once again showcased her individual brilliance, embarking on a solo run that culminated in another clinical finish, doubling Zambia’s advantage and further asserting her dominance on the field.
Although Morocco managed to pull one back through Azraf Kautar’s goal, Chileshe remained undeterred, leading Zambia’s offensive charge with unwavering determination.
As the match drew to a close, it was Chileshe who had the final say, completing her hat-trick with a composed finish that sealed a comprehensive victory for the hosts and left the Moroccan side reeling.
With the first leg triumph under their belt, Zambia now looks ahead to the return fixture with confidence, knowing that they are in a strong position to secure their place in the U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming showdown, fans eagerly await to see if Chileshe and her teammates can replicate their stellar performance and book their ticket to the prestigious tournament.
Photo: CAF Online
