Cameroon have reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a remarkable performance to help the Indomitable Lionesses overcome hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final.
The two sides played out a goalless draw before Cameroon prevailed 3–1 on penalties, with Bihina emerging as the central figure in the shootout.
The young goalkeeper stood tall when Cameroon needed her most, making crucial saves and giving her teammates the confidence to finish the job from the spot. Her performance has already earned widespread praise from football fans, with supporters describing her as the standout player of the semi-final.
The victory sends Cameroon into the WAFCON final for the first time since 2016, when the Lionesses finished runners-up to Nigeria on home soil. The achievement is another major milestone for a team that has remained one of Africa's strongest women's football nations.
Cameroon will now face Malawi in Sunday's final after the southern African side shocked Algeria 3–1 in the other semi-final. The final will therefore bring together two teams whose campaigns have exceeded expectations.
For Cameroon, much of the attention will be on Bihina, whose heroics against Morocco have made her one of the faces of the tournament.
The goalkeeper's calmness under pressure was particularly important against Morocco, who were playing on home soil and had the backing of a passionate home crowd. Cameroon held firm throughout the match before Bihina and her teammates delivered when the contest went to penalties.
Her performance is also significant considering her age. Bihina, born in December 2003.
The 2026 WAFCON is being staged in Morocco and is the first edition to feature 16 teams. The tournament also serves as an important pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the top four teams earning direct qualification.
Cameroon's success means the Lionesses are now just one victory away from lifting their maiden continental title.
But standing between Cameroon and the trophy is a confident Malawi side led by the Chawinga sisters. Malawi's extraordinary run has made the final one of the most unexpected title clashes in recent WAFCON history.
For Cameroon, however, the message from the semi-final is clear: they have the defence, the determination and, in Michaely Bihina, a goalkeeper capable of producing the decisive moment.
The Lionesses are now one game away from African glory.
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