The Zambian U17 Women's National Team, the Copper Princesses, thrashed their Tanzanian counterparts 5-0 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday in the first leg of the 2024 Dominican Republic U17 World Cup qualifiers. Bwalya Chileshe had two early chances to put Zambia ahead, the first in the 5th minute and the second in the 21st minute, but her efforts went over the bar. Saliya Mwanza also came close with a free-kick in the 20th minute, but Tanzania's goalkeeper Mariam Shaban Manyerere parried the ball over the bar. However, the Copper Princesses finally broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Mercy Chipasula's shot was parried, but the rebound fell to an unmarked Mwanza who slotted the ball home to send the home fans into a frenzy. Blessings Zangose Zulu then doubled Zambia's lead just a few minutes later, before Chipasula had another opportunity from outside the box. Her effort was well saved by the Tanzanian goalkeeper, who parried the ball over for a corner. Tanzania had a chance to pull of there on in the first half the 10th minute when Mwatima Mwarabu found herself one-on-one with Zambian goalkeeper Mwila Mufunte, but she hesitated and allowed the Zambian defense to recover. Tanzania were then forced to make an early substitution with Masika Mwakisua being replaced by Sabina Alex Mafuru as they tried to get back into the game. In added time, Zulu added her second goal of the day after a well-worked move involving Chileshe. At halftime, Zambia were comfortably leading 3-0. The second half was a more balanced affair, with both teams having chances. Tanzania had a golden opportunity in the 67th minute when a well-brought in cross found their skipper Jamila Rajabu Mnunduka inside the box, but she skied her shot over the bar from close range. Zambia, however, made the most of their chances. Bwalya Mutale Chileshe scored a well-placed shot from the edge of the area in the 75th minute to make it 4-0, and substitute Ruth Muwowo added another goal with her first touch after coming on for Chileshe. The Copper Princesses will now take a 5-goal advantage into the second leg in Tanzania next week.