Exclusive: Cameroon legend Omam-Biyik relives 1988 Morocco glory and tips hosts for AFCON success
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Cameroon football legend François Omam-Biyik says the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco holds special significance for him, having been part of the Indomitable Lions squad that lifted the trophy there in 1988.
The former forward, who later served as Cameroon’s deputy coach, featured at that historic tournament but saw his involvement cut short by injury. Despite that setback, Omam-Biyik remains proud of a side defined by unity, resilience and belief — qualities he believes remain decisive for success in African football.
“In 1988, I was part of the Cameroon national team that won the AFCON in Morocco,” Omam-Biyik told CAFOnline.com. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t a key asset because I got injured. After just 20 minutes against Egypt, I could no longer use my left leg, so I ended up watching Cameroon’s victory from the stands.”
Although side-lined, the former striker recalls a fiercely contested tournament, particularly Cameroon’s tense semi-final encounter with hosts Morocco, where composure and collective strength proved decisive.
“There were incidents, especially against Morocco,” he added. “But what stood out was the mentality of that Cameroon team — the solidarity and the talent.”
Omam-Biyik was part of a golden generation that included Emmanuel Kundé, Roger Milla, Joseph-Antoine Bell and Tataw Etta, a group he says gave the squad quiet confidence throughout the competition.
“When you are surrounded by players like Emmanuel Kundé, Roger Milla, Joseph-Antoine Bell and Tataw Etta, you have every reason to believe you can win,” he said. “We gave everything in every match to lift that trophy.”
Beyond his AFCON success, Omam-Biyik’s legacy is firmly etched into World Cup history. He famously scored Cameroon’s winner against Argentina at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, a goal that sent shockwaves through global football and remains one of Africa’s most iconic moments on the world stage.
Looking ahead to the upcoming AFCON in Morocco, Omam-Biyik believes the tournament will be among the most competitive in recent years, driven by the growing presence of Europe-based African stars and improved organisation across the continent.
“There will be many African players who play in Europe present in Morocco,” he said. “The atmosphere will be good, and the organisation too, because Morocco is a country that knows how to host major events.”
While acknowledging the strength of the traditional powerhouses, Omam-Biyik warned against underestimating less-fancied teams, stressing that AFCON’s unpredictability remains one of its defining features.
“There are very good players in all the countries,” he said. “Some teams may not have big stars, but they have quality and they will want to prove something.”
Despite that caution, the former Indomitable Lion made no secret of his belief that the hosts start the tournament as favourites, pointing to Morocco’s impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup as evidence of their maturity and tactical discipline.
“For me, the favourite from the start is Morocco,” he said. “They are talented, organised and know what they are doing. But winning the Africa Cup of Nations is always very difficult.”
Ultimately, Omam-Biyik hopes the tournament will be remembered not only for its results but for the quality of football and the atmosphere in the stands.
“I expect good matches, good football, full stadiums and a great atmosphere,” he said. “I have confidence in the organisation and I hope we experience a truly great Africa Cup of Nations.”
The 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on 21 December in Morocco, with the hosts opening the tournament against Comoros. The competition will run until 18 January, bringing together 24 nations chasing continental glory. Côte d’Ivoire enter the tournament as defending champions after lifting the trophy at the last edition, setting the stage for another fiercely contested AFCON on Moroccan soil.