Cameroon became the first African team to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in 1990.
The Indomitable Lions shocked defending champions Argentina 1–0 in the opening match and then topped their group. In the round of 16, they defeated Colombia 2–1 after extra time, with Roger Milla scoring twice.
Cameroon faced England in the quarter-final in Naples. Milla helped create both of Cameroon’s goals, but England eventually won 3–2 after extra time. The run transformed perceptions of African football on the world stage.
Morocco later became the first African semi-finalist in 2022. That achievement surpassed Cameroon’s quarter-final record, but Cameroon remains the continent’s first team to reach the last eight.