The Zambian government has begun investigations after money meant to buy kit for the 2002 African Nations Cup went missing.

Speaking to journalists at his office in Lusaka on Tuesday, Sports minister Norman Chibamba said that about $50,000 had been misused.

Chibamba said the jerseys Zambia wore at the tournament were not worth the amount believed to have been spent.

"I want to state that the matter is under investigation," he said.

"Something went wrong. Something is rotten at this ministry."

Chibamba also said he not satisfied with how more than $400,000 given by the state to the team was used.

Police investigation

He added he was suspicious that some of the kit the Chipolopolo wore at the Africa Cup were acquired from within Zambia.

Chibamba said he did not understand why ministry officials were involved in the purchase of kit instead of leaving it to the Football Association of Zambia.

However, he did reveal that an unnamed employee from his ministry has since resigned in connection with the matter.

The employee is suspected to have fled to a neighbouring country.

The Zambia Police have now been invited to launch an independent investigation into the case.