Sanon also scored one goal against Argentina in that World Cup although the Haitian team lost 4-1 and was eliminated after its third game.

But, that didn't matter. Emmanuel Sanon became a legend internationally, playing therafter for Belgium's Beerschot and the Miami Americans. In addition, he coached several soccer clubs in Belgium, San Diego, California, Texas and the Haitian National team.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on June 25, 1951, Emmanuel Sanon best known as "Ti-Manno" became synonymous with Haitians and soccer sports enthusiasts in the 1970's. He was the only soccer player to score in the 1974's World Cup for Haiti with one of the most spectacular goals against Italy snapping Dino Zoff's record 1,144 minutes over two years without allowing a goal.

There was an eruption of joy and pride wherever Haitians were watching the game at that time. He did something extraordinary in the history of Haitian sport even though the Italian team won that game 3-1. "Before the game, as you know, Dino Zoff for two years, nobody has scored against him, the Italian team was playing great defense..., and all the newspapers were talking about who's going to be able to do something like that, but they never mentioned Haitians, and I really took that personally," Manno said through a HaitianTreasures' interview.

"Imagine you went to a bar or restaurant, and you walked straight to Mike Tyson and slapped him on his face in front of everybody, and you got him mad, there you have it," recalled Manno Sanon describing Italy's reaction during a 2006's interview at Tele Image TV Shows in New York.

Manno Sanon in Belgium

His exceptional career entitled him to bear the Haitian Athlete of the Century, a shining star whose name will forever be claimed as a model for the current and future generation to follow and continue his legacy.

Emmanuel Sanon died at age 56 in his sleep from pancreatic cancer on February 21, 2008 at his Orlando home. He is survived by his wife Marie Suzie, his children Emmanuel Sanon Jr., Sarah, Jean and Steven, and several grand-children.

Suzie and Manno Sanon after a Haitian Sports Fundation's conference in New York

Manno Sanon participating at a Haitian Sports Fundation's conference in New York