Zambia captain Rainford Kalaba says they are gradually easing the new boys into the big tournament temperament at 2015 AFCON.
The 2012 champions have travelled with ten debutants while eight other player’s, including Kalaba, are survivors from that title winning team of three years ago in Equatorial Guinea.
"We just have to stay strong because some of our players are here for the first time," Kalaba said.
"That is why they need more encouragement especially from us the senior players because the Nations Cup is not easy, it is different from other Cups like the COSAFA Cup."
Three debutants have already had a feel of the Africa Cup big stage in last Sunday in Zambia's 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Zesco United midfielder Kondwani Mtonga played the full 90 minutes while Nkana striker Reynold Kampamba was replaced in the 74th minute by Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Mukuka Mulenga who is taking part in his second Africa Cup.
Kampamba’s clubmate and defender Christopher Munthali came on in the 85th minute for midfielder Nathan Sinkala after the latter sustained a knee injury that has ruled him out of the tournament.
