Kumasi, Jan. 18, GNA - The Zambian Senior National Team, the Chipolopolo expressed a sigh of relief following the arrival of the team's luggage which was misplaced on the team's journey to Ghana to participate in the 26th African Cup of Nations (CAN) tournament. Vincent de Paul, Liaison Officer of the team, told the GNA Sports in Kumasi on Friday that the luggage, consisting of nine bags and suitcases arrived in the country on Thursday on board a British Airways flight. The luggage, he said, contained jerseys, footballs, boots, shin guards, training kits and other personal effects belonging to some players and officials of the team, and that the second consignment of the luggage was expected in the country at the weekend.

De Paul said the luggage were found locked up at an Airport in Paris and commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the CAN 2008 for collaborating with the team and officials of the Zambia Football Association to trace the lost goods.

Tragedy nearly hit the Zambian camp as the team arrived in the country without their luggage, containing the items needed for the team at the tournament.

Officials of the team earlier attributed the loss of the bags and suitcases to the many transit points they had to make on their way to Ghana, a situation that compelled officials of the LOC and Zambia FA to commence a frantic search for the luggage.