Cameroon 1990: When Roger Milla and the Indomitable Lions thrilled the world

June 1990, World Cup in Italy. Cameroon were not the favorites, but they would offer the world one of the most beautiful stories in the history of African football. At the heart of the adventure was a 38-year-old striker who had already retired from international duty: Roger Milla.

A stunning opening

On June 8, 1990, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Cameroon faced Argentina, the defending world champions. The Indomitable Lions played with ten men from the 61st minute after André Kana-Biyik was sent off, and then with nine after Benjamin Massing was dismissed (88th). Yet, it was Cameroon who won: François Omam-Biyik scored in the 67th minute (1-0).

A return decided at the highest level of state

Roger Milla, born on May 20, 1952, had actually left the national team. According to several accounts, it was President Paul Biya himself who requested his return to the squad after seeing him score during a charity match in Douala. A decree even recalled him to the national team. The Russian coach, Valeri Nepomniachi, would primarily use him as a substitute.

The goals and the corner flag dance

Against Romania on June 14 in Bari, Milla came on during the match and scored twice (76th and 86th minutes): Cameroon won 2-1. He celebrated by running to the corner flag to dance, a gesture reminiscent of the lambada that would travel around the world. Despite a heavy defeat against the Soviet Union (0-4), Cameroon finished top of their group with 4 points.

In the round of 16 on June 23 in Naples, Milla shone again against Colombia: he scored two goals in extra time (106th and 108th minutes) for a 2-1 victory. In total, he scored four goals in this World Cup, all as a substitute.

A historic quarter-final

In the quarter-finals, Cameroon faced England. Milla won a penalty and then set up a goal for Ekéké: the Lions led 2-1. But the English fought back by scoring two penalties and won 3-2 after extra time. Cameroon were eliminated, but they had become the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup.

A lasting legacy

Roger Milla had not said his final word: in 1994, at 42, he scored against Russia and became the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history. His corner flag dance was even featured in advertisements. Since then, Senegal in 2002, Ghana in 2010, and then Morocco, a semi-finalist in 2022, have continued the story begun by the Indomitable Lions.

Key takeaways

In 1990, Cameroon proved that African football could compete with the greatest nations. Roger Milla remained its face: a 38-year-old player, a corner flag, and a dance that left a mark on several generations.