Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a stunning penalty shootout performance as the Indomitable Lionesses defeated hosts Morocco to reach the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The 22-year-old was the star of the dramatic semi-final in Rabat, saving a penalty during extra time before producing three more crucial stops in the shootout to send Cameroon through.
After 110 minutes of goalless football, Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 118th minute. Fatima Tagnaout stepped up from 12 yards, but Bihina produced a superb save to keep Cameroon alive and ensure the contest remained 0-0 after 120 minutes.
The match subsequently went to a penalty shootout, where Bihina once again proved decisive.
The Cameroon goalkeeper saved attempts from Kenza Chapelle, Maryame Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui, leaving the home crowd at the Moulay Hassan Stadium stunned.
Teenage defender Maryam Nyadjou then held her nerve to convert the decisive penalty as Cameroon secured a 3-1 victory in the shootout.
The dramatic triumph sends Cameroon into Sunday’s final, where they will face Malawi after the southern Africans defeated Algeria 3-1 in the other semi-final.
The final is scheduled for Sunday at 19:00 GMT.
Remarkable Cameroon Journey
Cameroon’s place in the final is particularly remarkable given the circumstances surrounding their qualification for the tournament.
The Indomitable Lionesses were eliminated during the qualifying process and appeared to have missed out on the finals.
However, their world ranking ultimately secured their place after the Confederation of African Football expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams midway through the preliminary process.
Cameroon have now taken full advantage of the opportunity.
After surviving a tense semi-final against the hosts, the Indomitable Lionesses are just one victory away from claiming the continental crown.
And if they complete the job against Malawi on Sunday, Bihina’s extraordinary performance in Rabat will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of their championship campaign.
