YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Emmanuel Kundé, renowned for being the defensive stalwart of the first African team to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, has passed away, announced the soccer federation of Cameroon. Kundé was 68 years old.
Kundé famously scored a crucial penalty against England during the quarterfinals of the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, although Cameroon eventually succumbed in extra time. He was also part of the squad during the 1982 World Cup when Cameroon debuted in the prestigious tournament.
The football federation of the country expressed sorrow, describing his passing as a significant loss for Cameroonian soccer. Samuel Eto’o, the president of the federation, praised Kundé, referring to him as the “control tower” and the “defensive wall” on the field.
Kundé was instrumental in leading the team to triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations twice — once in 1984 and again in 1988. Notably, his penalty during the second half was the decisive goal in Cameroon’s narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the 1988 final held in Casablanca.
During his career, Kundé earned over 100 caps representing the national team, solidifying his legendary status. “He was an intelligent and peaceful man filled with dignity and had a precise magic foot,” reminisced Emmanuel Maboang Kessack, a former national team colleague, adding, “We will never forget him.” Kundé died of cardiac arrest at his residence, Kessack shared.
Apart from his contributions to the national team, Kundé also played club football in France for Reims and Laval. Nevertheless, his primary association remained with Canon de Yaoundé, a club based in the capital of Cameroon.