Michaely Bihina produced another remarkable goalkeeping display as Cameroon defeated hosts Morocco on penalties to reach the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Wednesday night.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper proved decisive in a dramatic semifinal in Rabat, saving a penalty late in extra time before stopping three more spot-kicks during the shootout to send the Indomitable Lionesses through with a 3-1 victory on penalties.
Morocco dominated possession for large spells of the contest but struggled to turn their control into clear-cut chances, with Cameroon’s resilient defence standing firm throughout.
Cameroon also had opportunities to break the deadlock, but neither side could find the decisive finish as the match remained goalless after 90 minutes.
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The biggest moment of the game came in the 118th minute when Morocco were awarded a penalty. Fatima Tagnaout stepped up with the opportunity to send the hosts into the final, but Bihina dived correctly and produced a crucial save to keep Cameroon alive.
The match subsequently went to a penalty shootout, where Bihina continued her extraordinary performance.
Both teams converted their opening penalties before Bihina saved Morocco’s second attempt. Cameroon, however, missed their chance to take the advantage when Grâce Davila Mendoua failed to convert.
Bihina then produced another crucial save from Morocco’s next penalty, while Bella Rose made no mistake for Cameroon to put the Indomitable Lionesses 2-1 ahead.
The goalkeeper completed her heroics by saving a third consecutive Moroccan penalty, leaving Cameroon one kick away from victory.
Maéva Nyadjou stepped up and calmly converted the decisive penalty to secure a 3-1 shootout victory and send Cameroon into the 2026 WAFCON final.
Cameroon will face Malawi in Sunday’s final as the debutants defeated Algeria 3-1 in the other semifinal. The meeting will be historic, with both nations chasing their first-ever WAFCON title.
For Morocco, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching a third consecutive WAFCON final on home soil. The hosts will now turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff against Algeria.
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