Cameroonian football legend Emmanuel Kunde, a pioneering figure best known for his performance at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, has tragically passed away at the age of 68.
Credit: Rex
Credit: PA
Credit: PA
Credit: AP
His death was confirmed by the Cameroonian football federation, who released a statement acknowledging his passing as a “huge loss for Cameroonian football.”
Kunde`s career was marked by several significant achievements, including scoring the winning penalty in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria. He was also part of the victorious Cameroon squad four years earlier in 1984, where he came on as a late substitute in their 3-1 final win, also against Nigeria.
One of his most memorable international moments was scoring a penalty against England in the dramatic 3-2 quarter-final defeat at the 1990 World Cup, a tournament where Cameroon`s performance captivated football fans worldwide.
Former Chelsea and Everton striker Samuel Eto`o shared an emotional tribute on social media. He described Kunde as an “iconic figure in Cameroonian football” and stated, “It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.”
Eto`o remembered Kunde as a “discreet and affectionate man” and a “figure of moderation and consideration.” He praised his qualities as a player, calling him a “fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession.” Eto`o added that Kunde was a “fine passer and an artifact with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.”
Over his 15-year international career from 1979 to 1992, Kunde made 102 appearances for the Cameroon national team, scoring 17 goals. He was a key member of the “Indomitable Lions” teams that competed in the 1982 and 1990 World Cups and lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy twice in 1984 and 1988.
Kunde began his playing career in Cameroon with clubs including Mbankomo Club, Tempête de Nanga-Eboko, and Canon Yaounde. He later played in France for Laval and Reims before returning to Cameroon to finish his career with Olympic Mvolye in 1992.
Beyond his playing days, he also had a coaching career that included stints in France and Gabon, but his name remains most strongly associated with Canon Yaounde, where he served as both a player and a coach.
Samuel Eto`o concluded his tribute by expressing his deepest condolences to Kunde`s family.
