Cameroon is mourning the passing of former Indomitable Lions defender, Pascal Baylon Owona, who died at the age of 84.
Reports from local media confirm that Owona succumbed to an illness on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy that resonates deeply within the country’s football history.
Owona, a key figure in Cameroon’s footballing history, is perhaps best remembered for captaining the national team during their first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1970, held in Sudan.
During this historic tournament, Owona led his team to a dramatic victory over Côte d’Ivoire, coming from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.
This stunning upset not only secured Cameroon’s place in African football history but also ignited a fierce rivalry between the two nations, one that continues to this day.
Beyond his playing days, Owona made significant contributions to Cameroonian football as the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) from 1990 to 1993.
Under his stewardship, the national team achieved a respectable fourth-place finish in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite a tough semi-final loss to Côte d’Ivoire, Owona’s leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Cameroon.
The football community has been quick to express its sorrow following his death. Michel Kaham, a former international and colleague of Owona’s on the Fecafoot normalization committee, described him as “a remarkable, simple, and sociable man.”
His tribute highlights the respect Owona garnered not just for his achievements on the field, but also for his character and contributions off it.
The entire Cameroonian football community joins in mourning the loss of a true legend.
Pascal Baylon Owona’s influence on the game in Cameroon will not be forgotten, and his passing leaves a profound void in the nation’s football legacy.
