The former Cameroon international died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, leaving behind a towering legacy that spanned two golden decades of African football.

African football has been dealt another heartbreaking blow with the passing of Emmanuel Kunde, one of the continent’s most iconic and revered defenders.

The former Cameroon international died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, leaving behind a towering legacy that spanned two golden decades of African football.

According to Yen, Kunde went to bed on the evening of Thursday, May 15, and tragically never woke up. His remains have been deposited at the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary, with further announcements expected from his family.

Tributes have since poured in from across the footballing world. Cameroon Football Federation President and global football icon, Samuel Eto’o, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, using tearful emojis to mourn the loss.

Eto’o posted, “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 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).

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.”

Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana also reacted with shock, posting: “This is sad to hear.

What happened?” He described Kunde as a player whose intelligence and physical prowess on the pitch made him a nightmare for even the most lethal strikers.

Kunde’s name commands respect across generations — not only for his impressive list of achievements, but also for the commanding presence he brought to the game.

Renowned for his strength, tactical intelligence, and versatility, he excelled primarily as a central defender but was also effective in a defensive midfield role.

Kunde remains Cameroon’s fifth-most capped player and is also among the nation’s top 10 all-time goal scorers — a rare feat for a defender.

His knack for finding the back of the net, particularly from set-pieces, became one of the Indomitable Lions’ most potent weapons.

He was instrumental in Cameroon’s triumphs at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988 and played key roles in the country’s appearances at the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.

The 1990 tournament saw Cameroon reach the quarter-finals — the first African team to do so — cementing Kunde’s status as a legend of the global game.

Kunde began his professional journey with Mbankomo FC before playing for clubs such as Canon Yaoundé, Tempête de Nanga-Eboko FC, Provenance, and Olympic Mvolyé.

Following his retirement from active football, he transitioned into coaching, taking charge of teams like PWD Bamenda, Canon Yaoundé, and US Bitam during two managerial spells.

Emmanuel Kunde’s death marks the end of an era, but his impact on African football will continue to inspire generations to come.

Nigeria’s hopes of winning the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have come to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in Thursday’s semifinal clash, held on May 15, 2025.

Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles entered the contest on the back of a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals—a win that also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, their AFCON journey fell short of the final hurdle.

The semifinal was a tense, tactical encounter, with both sides relying heavily on counter-attacking football. Despite dominating possession, the Flying Eagles struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, and the first half ended goalless.

The second half brought a major setback for Nigeria when 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi-Harcourt was forced off due to injury.

He was replaced in the 51st minute by Ajia Soliu Yakub.Yakub, however, was unable to prevent South Africa from breaking the deadlock.

In the 66th minute, Tylon Christopher Smith rose to meet a cross and headed home what would prove to be the match-winner.

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Credit: Dagashotz

The semi-final pairings for the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have been confirmed, following the conclusion of the quarter-final clashes on Monday.

Seven-time champions Nigeria sealed their place in the last four after a tense encounter against Senegal.

The match ended goalless after 120 minutes of action, with the Flying Eagles eventually triumphing 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Their next hurdle will be South Africa, who edged past DR Congo with a 1-0 win in extra time.

Both teams will face off on May 15, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm local time.

In the other semi-final fixture, tournament hosts Egypt will lock horns with Morocco.

Egypt narrowly defeated Ghana 1-0 despite a late scare, while Morocco needed extra time to overcome a resilient Sierra Leone side with a solitary goal.

That match will take place later the same day at 9pm local time.