Cameroon’s Makoun follows Eto’o into retirement

DOUALA, Cameroon (AP) — Cameroon and Rennes midfielder Jean Makoun has announced his international retirement.

Makoun retired from Cameroon duty Wednesday alongside striker Samuel Eto’o, days after both were left out of coach Volker Finke’s 25-man squad for African Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.

The 31-year-old Makoun played for his country for over a decade but was among several players who were cut from the squad after a disappointing showing by Cameroon at the World Cup.

Cameroon, Africa’s first World Cup quarterfinalist in 1990, lost its three games in Brazil, conceding nine goals and scoring just one.

Makoun, Eto’o, experienced goalkeeper Charles Itandje, striker Pierre Webo and Barcelona’s Alex Song were all overlooked by Finke as he overhauled his squad for games against Congo and Ivory Coast next month.