Emmanuel Kunde dead at 68: Samuel Eto'o leads tributes as Cameroon World Cup star, who scored against England at Italia 90, passes away
Samuel Eto'o has led tributes following the death of former Cameroon star Emmanuel Kunde at the age of 68.
Kunde was part of Cameroon's squad at two FIFA World Cups, featuring at the tournaments in Spain in 1982 and Italy in 1990.
The midfielder scored Cameroon's equalising goal against England from the penalty spot in the quarter-finals of Italia 90.
Eugene Ekeke put Cameroon ahead in the second half, before a penalty from Gary Lineker forced extra time.
Lineker scored again from the spot in extra time to eliminate Cameroon, who were the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals at the World Cup.
Kunde had also played a key role for Cameroon in two triumphs at the African Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988.
The midfielder scored the only goal of the 1988 final against Nigeria, netting from the penalty spot.
Cameroon legend Eto'o, who now leads the national federation, offered a glowing tribute to Kunde on social media.
'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,' Eto'o wrote.
'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 a gun 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).'
'Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his family.'
Kunde is best remembered for his international career having played 102 times for the Indomitable Lions, scoring 17 times.
He spent much of his club career in Cameroon, but had two years playing in France for Laval and Reims.
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