A rumour that sent Zambians into celebrating that their Chipolopolo had been reinstated at the Africa Cup of Nations following the alleged use of an ineligible player by Burkina Faso has been dismissed.

The Confederation of African Football say there is no such decision as reinstating the 2012 African Cup of Nations champions following a winless trip to South Africa by Chipolopolo.

Zambia were eliminated after three draws against Ethiopia, Nigeria (both 1-all scorelines) and the scoreless final Group C match against Ethiopia.

But spontaneous celebrations erupted in Lusaka and Copperbelt when word went round that Chipolopolo were being reinstated through a boardroom decision.

Bus drivers at City Market, Kulima Tower and UTH bus stations started honking and those with vuvuzelas sounded the trumphet. Social network was generating increasing interest on the reinstatement of Chipolopolo who were less than impressive at the competition.

That joy, however, was short-lived.

Kalusha Bwalya, the FAZ president and CAF committee member, moved to dismiss the assertions before Erick Mwanza, the FAZ spokesperson, moved in to add his voice.

CAF general secretary Hicham El Amrani officially spoke for the continental body saying no such thing has been decide.

Zambia return home tomorrow with some players already heading to their respective destinations.

Chipolopolo have already benefitted from a boardroom decision in the 2014 World Cup race where three points were awarded to them off Sudan after the later used a suspended player. Sudan have since appealed to the Court of Arbitration to overturn the FIFA disciplinary committee decision.