Cyrille Makanaky; Cameroon's Flame-Haired Maestro

Cyrille Makanaky v England at Italia '90

One of the stars of Cameroon's Indomitable Lions at Italia 90, Cyrille Makanaky was an elegant attacking midfielder that dazzled audiences at the Mundial. 


His flame-colored hair as well as his dusty brown skin distinguished him all through his country's remarkable run in the tournament. He helped Cameroon reach the Quarter Finals of the World Cup where they lost cruelly to England 2-3. 

Cyrille Makanaky in action For Cameroon

Of course, he had by this time earned plaudits for his displays as the West Africans played some devastating and eye-catching football in Italy. He represented the Indomitable Lions at Maroc '88, helping them win the tournament and also at Algiers '90. He had also played for clubsides such as Ajaccio, Villareal, Malaga, Toulon, Lens and Macabi Tel Aviv.

Alain Gouamene, Hero Of Elephants' First AFCON Triumph

Ivory Coast Senegal '92 Hero, Alain Gouamene

The Elephants of Ivory Coast owe their first African Cup of Nations title win to this man, Goalkeeper Alain Gouamene. 

Standing at 6ft, it was he that saved Ghana's Anthony Baffoe's spot kick in a marathon unprecedented penalty session which ended 11-10 in favour of the Elephants of Ivory Coast. 


All the players from both teams tried their luck from the spot but no one could win the game until Gouamene saved Baffoe's kick.


He is the tournament's record appearance holder, having appeared in 7 finals and featured in 24 games. He was Ivory Coast's Number one from 1987 till 2000 and played for the likes of ASEC Mimosas, Raja Casablanca, FC Toulouse and Africa Sports d'Abidjan.