Natnael Tamru, the Ethiopian team’s goalkeeper and a taxi driver visiting China for the first time, shared similar sentiments. The 33-year-old praised Rongjiang’s vibrant football atmosphere and said he hopes teams from the Village Super League will one day visit Ethiopia to share the joy of the sport.
During halftime, Ethiopian cheerleaders and Rongjiang’s ethnic minority groups performed on the court.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase our culture to China and help more people learn about Ethiopia,” said Beamlak Biruk, one of the cheerleaders.
“Football attracts people from around the world to share their cultures, and it also allows foreigners to explore Chinese culture,” said Dolla Mihretu Samuel, a member of the Ethiopian team. “Cun Chao has become a platform for communication between China and other countries.”