Emmanuel Kunde dead at 68: Pioneering World Cup icon who scored against England at Italia ’90 passes away
EMMANUEL KUNDE has tragically died at the age of 68.
The former footballer is best remembered for scoring against England in the 1990 World Cup.
His death was confirmed by the Cameroonian football federation.
A statement read: “His death constitutes a huge loss for Cameroonian football.”
His most famous career moment came when he netted the winning penalty in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.
He also won the continental cup four years earlier and came on as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over Nigeria again in the final.
He also scored a penalty against England in the 3-2 defeat in the quarter-finals of Italia ’90.
Former Chelsea and Everton striker has shared an emotional tribute to Kunde on Instagram.
He wrote: “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 started his playing career at the Mbankomo Club in Cameroon.
He then played for the likes of Tempête de Nanga-Eboko and Canon Yaounde before joining French sides Laval and Reims.
He retired in 1992, back in Cameroon after two years with Olympic Mvolye.
In total, he played 102 times for Cameroon’s national team between 1979 and 1992 and scored 17 goals.