Fabrice Ondoa has paid an emotional tribute to Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa after the Cameroon midfielder’s decision to retire from international football prompted a wave of reactions in the country.
Ondoa, who played alongside Zambo Anguissa for Cameroon, praised his former team-mate for the commitment and sincerity he consistently showed while representing the Indomitable Lions.
“Thank you, my brother, for all the emotions and above all for all the battles fought on the pitch. You who never cheated, who always gave everything without ever holding anything back,” Ondoa wrote.
The Cameroon goalkeeper’s message focused not only on Zambo Anguissa’s performances as a player but also on his character and influence within the national-team dressing room.
Ondoa described the midfielder as “a natural leader, a man of trust, a man of principles and values”, underlining the importance he believes Zambo Anguissa held beyond his role on the pitch.
His tribute also reflected the emotional bond shared by the two players during their time together with Cameroon. Ondoa recalled a moment when Zambo Anguissa, whom he described as someone who is not particularly emotional, shed tears while wearing the national shirt.
“To see you, who are not so emotional, shed tears for this shirt was one of the most beautiful moments I have experienced,” Ondoa added.
He ended his message with a statement of lasting allegiance to the national team: “Lion one day, Lion forever.”
Zambo Anguissa’s international retirement has continued to generate significant reaction in Cameroon, with Ondoa’s words highlighting both the midfielder’s sporting contribution and the personal respect he earned from those around him.
The tribute presented Zambo Anguissa as a player who represented the Indomitable Lions with complete dedication, while also recognising the values and leadership that made him an important figure among his international team-mates.
For Ondoa, the midfielder’s legacy is therefore linked to more than the matches he played or the effort he displayed during games. It is also tied to the emotions associated with the Cameroon shirt, the trust he inspired in the dressing room and the principles he brought to his role with the national side.
The goalkeeper’s final message “Lion one day, Lion forever” served as both a farewell and a reminder of Zambo Anguissa’s enduring connection with Cameroon.