The Chipolopolo Boys are expected to begin their preparations in Lusaka two weeks from today. Both local and foreign-based players are expected to be available.

After the local camp, the team will move to Saudi Arabia, where they will intensify their final preparations for the tournament.

All necessary logistics have advanced, according to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga’s weekly column.

“The Chipolopolo have just kick started preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. The technical bench has submitted a program that will see the Chipolopolo commence their Camp on December 26th in Lusaka, with both foreign and local players available for this window,”said Kamanga.

“The local camp will then culminate into an international camp in Saudi Arabia, which will see the team intensify preparations.”

Faz waiting for govt to actualize AfCON budget

Kamanga also revealed that FAZ is working closely with the government to prepare the team for the tournament.

“The technical bench has, as always, been given leeway to select a team that they best believe will deliver for our great nation. Our duty is to provide them with all the necessary support for their mission. We are working closely with the government through our supervisory ministry to ensure that all the logistics are on point. The budget for the whole Afcon campaign has been duly deposited at the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts for actualization.”

The Chipolopolo boys will be making their 19th appearance at the tournament after missing out on three editions. 

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The tournament will run from January 13th to February 11th, 2024, in Ivory Coast. 

The 2012 Champions are placed in Group F alongside Morocco, DR Congo, and Tanzania. 

Zambia’s first game will be against DR Congo on January 17 at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pédro.