Eh! On 8 June 1990, the World Cup opened in Milan with the defending champions Argentina, led by Diego Maradona, against tiny Cameroon. Nobody gave Cameroon a chance — most people had not even HEARD of them. The Indomitable Lions had Maradona double-teamed and bruised. Then in the 67th minute, François Omam-Biyik headed a cross that bounced through the keeper's hands and into the net. Cameroon were down to nine men by the end but they HELD ON. 1-0. Africa had shocked the WORLD!
Year: 1990 Match: Argentina vs Cameroon Location: San Siro, Milan Round: Group Stage Category: African Upset
The Moment
- Cameroon played the opening match of the 1990 World Cup against defending champions Argentina
- François Omam-Biyik scored the winning header in the 67th minute past Argentine keeper Nery Pumpido
- Cameroon finished the match with only NINE men on the pitch after two red cards
- Cameroon went on to reach the quarter-finals — the FIRST African team in history to do so
- Roger Milla, coming on as a substitute, would become the breakout star of the tournament
The Verdict
Cameroon 1-0 Argentina in 1990 was the moment African football announced itself on the world stage. The Indomitable Lions, finishing with 9 men, beat Maradona's defending champions in the OPENING match. It opened the door for African football's modern era and inspired a generation. A historic moment of PRIDE for the entire African continent!
Tomorrow: #15 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
