FORMER Cameroon captain Stephen Tataw has died at the age of 57.
The defender was part of the famous side which reached the quarter-finals at the Italia 90 World Cup.
Stephen Tataw clashes with England’s Gary Lineker in 1990 Credit: PA:Empics Sport
He played every minute as the Indomitable Lions got to the last eight – the first African team to do so.
They were beaten 3-2 in extra-time by Sir Bobby Robson’s England.
Tataw is said to have died after a lengthy illness.
Cameroon, led by the dancing veteran striker Roger Milla, famously beat reigning World Cup champions Argentina in their first game in Italia 90.
Their incredible runs also included wins over top sides Romania and Colombia.
They looked set to knock the Three Lions out and reach the semi-final.
But Gary Lineker’s late penalty forced extra-time before he got England through in the additional period.
Tataw, who had a trial at QPR after the 1990 World Cup, also played in the USA World Cup four years later.
But they were thrashed 6-1 by Russia, also losing 3-0 to eventual winners Brazil, and went out at the group stage.
Tataw played for Cameroonian sides Tonnerre Yaounde and Olympic Mvolye before ending his career in Japan with Tosu Futures.
It is not known yet the exact circumstances of his death.
But a relative said he passed away on Friday after a “protracted illness”.
Gary Lineker defies Cameroon spies to score World Cup penalty at Italia ’90
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
