Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu has praised the Under-17 girls national team for their outstanding performance against the Atlas Lionesses in the World Cup qualifiers. The team's spirited display was capped off with a 3-1 win, thanks to a hat-trick from striker Namute Chileshe. Minister Nkandu, who took time to interact with the team after the game, expressed the government's delight at their achievement and pledged continued support. "So we are very grateful that amidst everything that we are going through, there is something that can make us smile, and you girls have done that. On behalf of the president who is the patron, we are very excited as a country that you are able to make us smile, and we believe in you, and we believe that even in Morocco, we can still take the win," Minister Nkandu said. The team's victory has brought joy to the nation, and Minister Nkandu was thrilled to see the girls' talent on display. "I'm just coming from watching pool, and that's why I came past time, because... I'm watching other sports. So I was telling them that talent is the most well-paid job on earth. Talents can even get you out of poverty. Talent can give you a job," Minister Nkandu emphasized. Minister Nkandu also offered words of encouragement, urging the team to continue working hard and striving for excellence. "So what you're doing is not child's play. This is a job, so... continue working hard, and the sky may not be the limit. Tomorrow, you will find that you are also in the USA, joining the Barbra Banda. But it has to do with hard work, discipline, perseverance, and determination. So all these things applied together." The two teams will meet again on June 15th for the second leg, with the winner over two legs qualifying for the World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic. Follow Zed Sport for all the latest sports news updates.