Venezuela U17 Women edge Zambia U17 Women in five-goal World Cup thriller

Venezuela U17 Women produced a resilient attacking display to beat Zambia U17 Women 3-2 in a breathless FIFA U17 Women's World Cup group-stage encounter in Marrakech. The Vinotinto twice had to absorb pressure from a fast-breaking Zambian side, but they found the extra goal their sharper finishing deserved in a five-goal contest that swung one way and then the other.

The result gives Venezuela a vital three points in Group B and leaves Zambia chasing their first point of the tournament. Venezuela’s movement in the final third was the difference, with quick combinations around the penalty area creating problems that Zambia could not fully solve despite a spirited second-half response.

Match overview

Venezuela started with intent, pressing high and forcing Zambia into early mistakes at the back. The opener arrived after a neat exchange on the right, with Yelitza Pérez arriving late in the box to finish low into the corner. Zambia responded positively, equalising through Chipo Mwamba after a driving run and a composed finish that briefly quietened the Venezuelan support.

Just before half-time, Venezuela restored their lead when María Fernanda Rojas capitalised on a loose ball inside the area and stabbed home. Zambia again refused to fold, and Natasha Banda’s close-range finish early in the second half made it 2-2 and set up a tense final quarter. The decisive moment came with around 15 minutes left, as Génesis Álvarez beat the goalkeeper with a well-placed effort after Venezuela’s captain, Camila Torres, split the defence with a precise through ball.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Yelitza Pérez gives Venezuela the lead with a first-time finish after a slick right-sided move.
• 22nd minute: Zambia respond through Chipo Mwamba, who drives infield and finds the bottom corner.
• 38th minute: María Fernanda Rojas pounces inside the box to put Venezuela back in front.
• 61st minute: Natasha Banda levels at 2-2 with a determined finish from close range.
• 74th minute: Génesis Álvarez scores the winner after a defence-splitting pass from Camila Torres.

Tactical story

Venezuela’s approach was built on aggressive pressing and quick circulation in wide areas. Their midfield trio worked hard to win second balls, and the full-backs pushed on to create overloads against Zambia’s narrow defensive shape. That width was especially important in the first half, when Venezuela repeatedly found space behind the Zambian full-backs.

Zambia’s threat came from transitions. Their front players were direct and willing to run in behind, and both of their goals came from moments when Venezuela lost possession in midfield. However, Zambia struggled to control the game for long spells, and their defensive line was pulled apart by Venezuela’s movement in the decisive final 20 minutes.

Standout performers

Camila Torres was central to Venezuela’s best work, dictating tempo and providing the assist for the winner. Génesis Álvarez’s match-winning goal capped a lively performance, while Yelitza Pérez’s early strike set the tone. For Zambia, Chipo Mwamba was the standout attacking threat, and Natasha Banda’s equaliser underlined her poacher’s instincts.

Venezuela’s goalkeeper also made two important second-half saves that kept the score level before Álvarez’s winner. Those stops proved just as valuable as the goals in a match where the margins were always tight.

What the result means

The win puts Venezuela in a strong position in Group B and gives them momentum heading into their next fixture. For Zambia, the performance offered encouragement in attack but highlighted the need for greater defensive discipline in key moments. With three points on the board, Venezuela can approach their remaining group games with confidence, while Zambia must regroup quickly to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.