‘It's really a shame’ - Africa’s 2018 World Cup outing leaves ex-Cameroon international Jean Makoun disappointed

Africa’s showing at the 2018 Fifa World Cup ‘is really a shame’ given their potential, according to Jean Makoun.

All five representatives from the continent were ousted in the group stage of the global football fiesta.

Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia’s eliminations were confirmed before their final group games, while Nigeria and Senegal failed to progress to the Round of 16 after losing their last games to Argentina and Colombia respectively.

However, Makoun singled out Morocco for praise as they displayed bravery and dominance in group games against Iran, Portugal and Spain while blaming the Super Eagles’ misfortune on ‘some refereeing errors’.

“It's really a shame. Morocco showed great things against Iran, Portugal or Spain,” Makoun told Goal.

“Nigeria did well too even though they suffered from some refereeing mistakes.

“You can always dwell on how innocent and candid African teams are [at the highest level], but it's really no enough for me this time. I was expecting African teams in the last 16 in regard to their potential.”

Makoun, yet to find a new club after leaving Antyalyaspor in 2017, retired from international duty before Cameroon, under Hugo Broos, defied odds to lift the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

The decision, however, the former Lyon midfielder does not regret, with his disappointments channelled towards the bad taste his country’s football leaves him.

"No regrets,” he continued. “It was the end of an adventure and I had to close this chapter. I have regrets seeing how Cameroonian football has fallen back as other nations advance.

“I was obviously happy with the title, but I think it hid lots of deep and grave problems.

After the triumph in 2017, the Cameroon Football Federation sacked Broos over series of issues, including not getting a World Cup 2018 spot.

However, according to reports, former England and Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is line to take over the helms after being spotted in the country last week Thursday.

As Afcon 2019 hosts, the Indomitable Lions are yet the only participant for the continental tourney, and take part in the qualifiers to gain some playing time.

But with less than two months to their next clash against Comoros, they are without a manager.

“It's obviously very badly managed and set up. Just imagine that we're will be hosting the CAN in less than a year and we don't have a coach. We don't even have a federation president!

“Imagine the pressure on the next coach. What could he do? How can he build a project?”