Emmanuel Kunde, the renowned Cameroonian former footballer, has sadly passed away at the age of 68.
He is widely remembered for his memorable goal against England during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.
Emmanuel Kunde has sadly died
He scored against England in the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals
Kunde jostled with Paul Gascoigne for the ball
Samuel Eto’o has paid tribute to the Cameroonian
His passing was confirmed by the Cameroonian football federation.
A statement released by the federation read: “His death constitutes a huge loss for Cameroonian football.”
One of the most significant moments in his career was scoring the winning penalty in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria, securing the title for Cameroon.
He had also been part of the victorious squad four years earlier, coming on as a late substitute in the 3-1 final victory, also against Nigeria.
At the Italia `90 World Cup, he scored a penalty during the thrilling 3-2 quarter-final defeat to England.
Former Chelsea and Everton star Samuel Eto`o shared an emotional tribute to Kunde via Instagram.
“I`m just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68.”
“Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.”
“I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration.”
“He was 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.”
“Individually, it was a fine passer and an artifact with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.”
“In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988).”
“His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.”
“Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family.”
Kunde began his playing career in Cameroon with Mbankomo Club.
He later played for clubs such as Tempête de Nanga-Eboko and Canon Yaounde before moving to France to represent Laval and Reims.
He concluded his playing career back in Cameroon in 1992 after spending two years with Olympic Mvolye.
Across his international career, Emmanuel Kunde earned 102 caps for the Cameroon national team between 1979 and 1992, scoring 17 goals.
