Cameroon midfielder Arnaud Djoum says they will play for Marc Vivien-Foe

Wakasu Mubarak of Ghana is challenged by Arnaud Djoum of Cameroon during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon semifinal football match between Cameroon and Ghana at the Franceville Stadium in Gabon on 02 February 2017 ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday Jun 17, 2017. 13:00

Ahead of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, Cameroon midfielder Arnaud Djoum says they will play in memory of their fallen hero, Marc Vivien-Foe.

The late Indomitable Lions legend passed away after collapsing on the pitch during the 2003 FIFA Confederations semi-final against Colombia in France.

Despite attempts to save his life, it was later discovered that Foe suffered from a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Under the guidance of Belgian manager, Hugo Broos, Cameroon will end their 14-year absence from the Confederations Cup when they face Chile on Sunday, 18 June.

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The African champions are in Group B with Chile, Australia and Germany.

"We want to play well for him - to honour and respect what he did for Cameroon," Djoum told BBC Sport.

"We want to show a good image of Cameroon for him first.

"In the dressing room, we try not to speak too much about it out of respect for him and his family.

"It's something we keep really quiet but we know from each other that we have to give everything and play from heart - like he did."

The Scotland-based midfielder made his debut under Broos at the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and feels the connection with Foe more than others as he wears the number 17 which was worn by Foe.