Emmanuel Kunde, who was a pillar in the 1990 Cameroon side that became the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, has died, the country’s football federation said on Friday.
Kunde, 68, also played at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where Cameroon made their debut appearance, and was in the winning team when the Indomitable Lions won the Africa Cup of Nations in both 1984 and 1988.
He took the penalty that decided the 1988 Cup of Nations final against Nigeria in Casablanca and also scored from the spot in the dramatic 3-2 loss to England in Naples in the last eight of the 1990 World Cup.
According to initial reports, the legendary centre-back went to bed on the evening of Thursday, May 15, and tragically never woke up. His remains have been deposited at the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary, pending further announcements from the family.
Among the many tributes pouring in, Cameroon FA president and African football icon Samuel Eto’o shared his sorrow via Instagram, using sad face emojis to mourn the fallen legend.
“His death constitutes a huge loss for Cameroonian football,” said a federation statement.
