Cameroon's nine-man San Siro stunner: a shocking victory over Argentina in 1990

Cameroon's Nine-Man San Siro Stunner

FIFA reflects on one of the most remarkable upsets in World Cup history — Cameroon's dramatic win over the reigning champions, Argentina, during the opening match of Italia 1990.

The Game That Shocked the World

On June 8, 1990, inside Milan’s San Siro Stadium, few expected Cameroon to challenge Diego Maradona’s Argentina, the favorites to retain their title. Yet the match turned into a story of courage, discipline, and historic defiance.

Despite being reduced to nine men, Cameroon held firm and stunned the champions with a fearless performance that combined physical strength and tactical awareness.

The Decisive Moment

Cameroon took the lead in the second half when François Omam-Biyik rose above the Argentine defense to head the ball home — a goal that slipped through goalkeeper Nery Pumpido’s grasp. This solitary strike sealed one of football’s most iconic upsets.

“We were not afraid. We knew they were world champions, but on the pitch, it’s eleven against eleven,” said Omam-Biyik after the game.

Aftermath and Legacy

The victory sent shockwaves through world football. Cameroon advanced to the quarter-finals, becoming the first African nation to reach that stage at the World Cup. Their spirit and resilience inspired future generations of African teams and players.

Argentina, meanwhile, recovered from the defeat to reach the final but ultimately lost to West Germany. The match in Milan remains a defining example of how determination and belief can rewrite football history.

Author’s summary: Cameroon’s fearless nine-man triumph over Argentina at Italia 1990 redefined African football’s global image and remains a timeless symbol of underdog glory.

FIFA — 2025-11-29