If there is anything Rwandans have whole heartedly embraced, the 2016 African Nations Championship is. The tournament that started on Saturday has in a way brought this country, in the stadia and on the streets.
As early as 8am, Rwandans dressed in their national team jerseys were making their way to the Amahoro National Stadium. By 10am the locals were already in the queues making sure they access the stadium in time and by 3pm, those long queues had gotten longer.
I with my colleague David Isabirye had a chance to enjoy some VIP treatment when a colleague of ours Peter Kamasa suspended all activities at the Amahoro main entrance just to make sure we got in without any trouble.
With all the match day tickets attained, it was time to take my seat in the media tribunal and when that famous CAF anthem was played as both teams made their way to the pitch, I got jealous from a Ugandan perspective. You know that feeling in primary when you best friend reports at school for the new term with new shoes and a new backpack and you’re using the old ones from last term!
Then excitement filled the 35,000 capacity seater stadium when the stadium announcer announced the presence of the Head of State, Paul Kagame. Don’t be fooled by the western media, these people love their president to bits.
And when the opening tie between Rwanda and Ivory Coast finally kicked off, the home fans backed their country from kickoff something that troubled the West Africans. After 18 minutes, midfielder Yannick Mukunzi won a free kick at the edge of the area and defender Emery Bayisenge made no mistake with a powerful right footed shot.
As the centre back sprinted to the corner flag in celebration, no one was spared in the stands, including the Policemen and volunteers who are supposed to be neutral. Bayisenge had a chance to make it 2-0 from 12 yards in the second half after his captain Jacques Tuyisenge was fouled in the area, but the former’s effort was saved by Badra Ali Sagnare in Cote d’Ivoire goal. It stayed like that until the final whistle. The second game between Gabon and Morocco was huge on paper but for some reason, the fans had had enough excitement from Amavubi Stars. One by one they walked out as the two sides settled for a boring barren draw. As for me, I utilized the evening to do some shopping and make myself busy in the kitchen, reason being, I don’t trust my housemate David Isabirye in that department.
