The current Zebras' crop engraved their names boldly in history books by making sure the country qualified for the biennial continental showpiece for the very first time. Zebras beat Chad away in N'Djamena to become the first country to sail through to the tournament to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
The team did not return home immediately following the Chad victory as they flew to Rabat, Morocco for a friendly against the North Africans on Wednesday evening. The Zebras continued their impressive away record holding the Moroccans to a 1-1 draw. On Friday, the supporters could not go to the airport to welcome their heroes because of renovation work at the facility. The multitude of supporters gathered at the Notwane soccer ground opposite the National Stadium where the stage was set for a welcome ceremony. By lunchtime, all roads leading to the stadium were painted in black, white and blue as vuvuzela-blowing fans trotted towards the grounds to give the team a well deserved heroes' welcome. The fans continued singing in jubilation ignoring the blazing afternoon heat as they waited for the arrival of the team. The squad finally arrived in two Safari vans so the fans could have a clear view of their heroes. Like a true soldier arriving with his troops from a victorious outing, coach Stanley Tshosane led his charges to the stage to greet the fans. The supporters were in high spirits, as they could not get enough of the team. The players sang a victory song they composed while away in Chad.
