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The Nations League C division match between the national football teams of Armenia and Cyprus, held on November 12, 2026, at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan, became a platform for symbolic displays of historical memory by fans from both nations. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, drew international attention not only for the sporting competition but also for the political messages displayed in the stands.
Symbolic displays of historical memory
During the match, Armenian fans unfurled a banner reading “Artsakh Has Not Been Forgotten”. This gesture served as a reminder of the forced displacement of over 100,000 Armenians from Artsakh following the military operations in September 2023. The incident was widely covered by international media, including the Argentine-Armenian publication Diario Armenia, which highlighted the parallels between the plight of the Artsakh Armenians and the historical experience of the Cypriot people.
Visiting fans from Cyprus also participated in the symbolic action. According to CyprusNews.eu, Cypriot supporters displayed their national flag alongside a banner reading “Δεν Ξεχνώ” (I Do Not Forget), a reference to the ongoing occupation of the northern part of their homeland. These displays were also noted by Azerbaijani media.
Diplomatic and commemorative gestures
The match was preceded by commemorative activities. A delegation led by Haris Loizides, President of the Cyprus Football Association, visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan to lay a wreath and pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
On the pitch, the match ended in a 1-1 tie. Iasonas Pikis opened the scoring for Cyprus in the 9th minute, while Artur Gharibyan secured the equalizer for the Armenian team in the 58th minute.
Source: armsport.am
