AFCON 2023: Kigali's BK Arena buzzes as it does in Ivory Coast

On Wednesday 07 February, for the AFCON 2023 semi-final between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast, nationals of both countries, along with Rwandans living in Remera, a large commercial district, turned out in numbers to watch the clash.

The Congolese, who outnumber the Ivorians in Rwanda, watched the match singing, as they love to do. Some of them had brought drums and cheered their team on vigorously. At half-time they were hopeful of winning.

Though fewer in number than the Congolese, the Ivorians raised their voices, especially whenever their team moved into the opposition half. In the 65th minute, Sébastien Haller's goal hit the Congolese supporters like a sledgehammer blow, and they fell completely silent. Despite being outnumbered, the Ivorians made themselves heard. Every time their team got the ball, they shouted as if the echo of their noise could be heard all the way in Abidjan. Even so, a good-natured atmosphere prevailed inside the BK Arena.

Post-match emotions

"We knew we were going to win. God was with us. Our coach is very good, unlike the other one, who was really poor (Gasset, editor's note). With our coach, the cup is staying at home, I swear. Thanks to the Rwandan authorities who set up this zone for the fans," an Elephants supporter told Sport News Africa, overjoyed. A young Ivorian woman was also over the moon. "I'm really so happy. I was afraid, but thank God we've just won. DR Congo scared me because they play very well, but our team did what was needed. Well done to the organisers, who put us in a nicely ventilated space. I really like this organisation."

A Chadian supporter of the Elephants was also delighted after the match. "I support Ivory Coast to the end. I love this country just as I also love Rwanda. Thank you Kigali, thank you so much. We didn't qualify for this AFCON, but I hope we'll be in Morocco, insha'Allah (God willing, editor's note). Honestly, it's an excellent evening."

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A Belgian supporter of Ivory Coast, speaking to SNA, looked ahead to the final. "Ivory Coast were a little better, good match, Ivory Coast against Nigeria in the final, I can't wait to see that game. Most of the supporters were pro-Congo, but in the end we move on. I'm a fan of this team and I think we'll win this AFCON. The Ivorian players have incredible fighting spirit. We celebrated with the Congolese, the Ivorians, the Rwandans, it's an exceptional mix. As European expats, we really loved it."

Congolese sadness

On the Congolese side, there was sadness. "I'm very downcast. Since the start of the AFCON, we've played good matches. We're proud to have reached this stage of the competition and we hope to beat South Africa so we can at least go home with a medal. I thank Rwanda, who gave us good conditions despite the conflict between our two countries. We feel at home. As a student, I've never had a problem because I'm Congolese. What is happening back home is a matter for the politicians alone."

The final promises to be electric at the BK Arena. Football fans there told SNA they will invite their friends to fill the hall and enjoy a dream final.

Désiré Hatungimana