Thousands of South Australian soccer fans gathered in the city to support the Socceroos’ momentous defeat over Türkiye on Sunday.
The game was made even better with Adelaide’s own Nestory Irankunda scoring the first half-opener, leading to Australia’s 2-0 victory.
Gathered at The Drive, the 6,000 person venue was mostly packed with green and gold fans, with outnumbered Turkish supporters just as eager to chant support behind their team.
There is strong Adelaide representation in this year’s Socceroos team, Irankunda is among five Adelaide players who made it into this year’s World Cup squad alongside Tete Yengi, Mo Touré, Awer Mabil and Paul Izzo.
At half-time a group of Irankunda fans could not contain their excitement at The Drive for their favourite player, chanting “Irankunda baby”, pointing to their Irankunda fan T-shirts.
Irankunda fans chant their favourite player’s name at The Drive in Adelaide. (ABC News: Sophie Holder)
Sam, Emily and Amber Chandler said they were confident the Aussies would win.
“We’re really excited [to see] Irankunda play, we’ve met him a couple of times — we’re definitely supporting him,”
Sam Chandler said.
Sam, Emily and Amber Chandler said they couldn’t wait to watch Nestory Irankunda play. (ABC News: Sophie Holder)
Couple Nick and Irish Miller said they came to The Drive to enjoy the atmosphere.
“We love the live energy,”
Ms Miller said.
Nick and Irish Miller join thousands of fans in watching the Socceroos at The Drive, in Adelaide. (ABC News: Sophie Holder)
“We’re so excited.”
Family cheer on Yengi
Extended family of Socceroo player Tete Yengi gathered in Adelaide to proudly watch him represent Australia.
His family cheered as Yengi was subbed on in the 74th minute, subbing in for Mo Toure.
Tete’s aunty, Lucy Yengi said she was feeling nervous as the game kicked off.
“I just want them to win and I want Tete to play really good,”
Ms Yengi said.
Tete Yengi’s aunty Lucy Yengi and family friend Stephen Tongun said they were so proud of Tete Yengi for representing Australia and South Sudan. (ABC News: Madina Jaffari)
“I think he’s going to shoot two goals, could be more!” she laughed.
“We feel very proud that we have a family member that’s representing Australia, representing South Sudan.”
Family friend Stephen Tongun said there was strong Adelaide representation in the Socceroos team.
Tete Yengi’s extended family come together in Adelaide to cheer on their family member. ((ABC News: Madina Jaffari))
“I think the best thing about the World Cup is it gives everyone a platform to showcase their talents, our boys have really been putting in the hard work, as you can see Adelaide has so many African-born players who are in the team,”
Mr Tongun said.
“It’s been the best thing to bring our communities together, to play for Australia is the highest honour and our boys are thoroughly proud to be representing the green and gold.”
Police warn of flare risks
On Sunday night, SA Police said a 29-year-old man had been barred from major event venues for three months after allegedly discharging a flare at The Drive within a crowd.
“Police are aware of other flares being discharged around the same time and are making enquiries to identify those responsible,” a police statement said.
“Flares are designed for emergency use only and can pose a serious risk of injury or fire when used in crowded public areas.”
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