Argentina-Cameroon : Victory Of The Century

The opening game of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy on June 8, 1990 pitting the then reigning champions, Argentina against Cameroon in Group B was believed to be a foregone conclusion.  No one saw the Indomitable Lions coming. They were perhaps seen at that time like a tiny nation from the African continent that will be facing one of the world’s best.  But history was made as the Lions pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the World Cup history by beating Argentina 1-0 in the opener. 
It was not a perfect match but it was an irresistible narrative, as the World Cup champions, led by the great Diego Maradona, who at the age of 30 had just helped Napoli to the Serie A title were vanquished by an unheralded Cameroonian team largely made up of players from local clubs and French lower divisions The then Cameroonian Coach, Russian Nepomniashchi Valeri lined up the likes of Benjamin Massing, Betin Ebwelle, Emmanuel Kunde, Victor Ndip Akem and the late Stephen Tataw that captained the team in the defence. Andre Kana-Biyik, Emile Mbouh and Louis Mfede managed the midfield meanwhile Cyrille Makanaky and François Omam-Biyik were upfront. Thomas Nkono was the man at the goalpost.  There was no doubt the Lions were going to be blown away but they beat the odds with President Paul Biya’s presence at the stadium galvanising them to victory. 
Despite having stinks from the Argentinian side, the Cameroonians' confidence began to grow, and...