Zambia qualified for the 2023 AFCON tournament after missing out on three previous editions, and FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has disclosed that the team will enter camp on December 26 in Lusaka with both local and foreign-based stars expected to be available. "The Chipolopolo have just kick-started preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023," Kamanga stated. "The technical bench has submitted a program that will see the Chipolopolo commence their camp on December 26 in Lusaka with both foreign and local players available for this window." Coach Avram Grant and his technical team are expected to use the local camp in Lusaka to come up with the final squad that will fly away to Saudi Arabia for final preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations. "The local camp will then culminate into an international camp in Saudi Arabia which will see the team intensify preparations," Kamanga added. The Football Association of Zambia has, in the past, demonstrated a commitment to giving their teams adequate preparation and has been working closely with relevant government authorities to ensure the Chipolopolo boys are well-prepared before the finals. "The technical bench has, as always, been given leeway to select a team that they best believe will deliver for our great nation," Kamanga explained. "Our duty is to provide them with all the necessary support on their mission. We are working closely with 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. We have always prioritized preparations for all our teams as they prepare for international engagements." Zambia is expected to make a statement at the AFCON tournament after a long absence. A good preparation will put them in a good position to account for themselves in Ivory Coast.