The football world in Cameroon is in mourning following the sudden death of Emmanuel Kundé, a revered defender for the Indomitable Lions and a key figure in Cameroon’s historic 1990 World Cup campaign.
Kundé, aged 69, passed away in the early hours of Friday at his home in Emombo, Yaoundé.
Known affectionately as “Benetti,” Kundé appeared in good health and was active until his unexpected passing, which has left family, friends, and fans in shock.
His body was transferred to the Yaoundé General Hospital morgue, where former teammates and football icons, including Joseph Kamga, Dagobert Mougam, Jules Denis Onana, Lucien Metomo, and Maboang Kessack, gathered to pay their respects.
Kundé’s legacy in Cameroonian and African football is indelible. A formidable and skilled defender, he began his career with Canon Yaoundé before playing for clubs such as Prévoyance Yaoundé, Olympique de Mvolyé, Tempête de Nanga-Eboko, and Mbankomo Club.
His talent took him to France in 1987, where he showcased his abilities with Stade Lavallois and Stade de Reims.Kundé’s contributions to the Indomitable Lions’ 1990 World Cup success remain a source of national pride.