Emmanuel Kundé, hero of Cameroon's golden era, dies at 68
- Omna Taddele
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Cameroonian football legend Emmanuel Kundé passed away earlier on Friday at the age of 68, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed. The former Indomitable Lions captain had an illustrious career in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Kundé was a reliable defensive midfielder who led Cameroon to two African Cup of Nations titles in 1984 and 1988. He was also a key member of the Cameroon team that reached the final of the 1986 AFCON. Kundé was part of the 1990 Cameroon World Cup squad that made history by becoming the first-ever African nation to reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup. He earned 127 caps and scored 15 goals for the national team.
Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, paid tribute to the former player:
"This iconic defender, a true pillar of his era, fought to the bitter end against an illness that was eating away at him. Today, Cameroon mourns a hero, a model of commitment and passion for football. The Ministry of Sports and Physical Education offers its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and the entire Cameroonian sports family. Rest in peace, Indomitable Lion."
Kundé had spells in both his native Cameroon and in Europe. He played for Canon Yaoundé and Stade de Reims. The government of Cameroon, FECAFOOT, the Cameroon Footballers Union and Reims are among those who sent their condolences upon his passing.
