Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a stunning performance as the Indomitable Lionesses defeated hosts Morocco on penalties to reach the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The semi-final in Rabat ended goalless after 120 minutes before Cameroon secured a 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout.
Bihina was the star of the contest, saving a crucial penalty from Fatima Tagnaout in the 118th minute before keeping out three more spot-kicks during the shootout.
The 22-year-old denied Kenza Chapelle, Maryame Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui to leave the home crowd stunned.
Teenager Maryam Nyadjou converted the decisive penalty for Cameroon to send her team into the final.
Morocco had dominated possession for long periods but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Cameroonian defence.
Their best opportunity came late in extra time after a VAR review awarded them a penalty when Nyadjou was judged to have caught Ouzraoui in the face with her arm. However, Tagnaout’s effort was comfortably saved by Bihina.
The victory sends Cameroon into their first WAFCON final since 2016, when they lost to Nigeria on home soil.
The Indomitable Lionesses will face Malawi in Sunday’s final after the Scorchers defeated Algeria 3-1 in the other semi-final.
Cameroon’s run is particularly impressive after they were initially eliminated during qualifying and only reached the tournament following the expansion to 16 teams and qualification based on their world ranking.
For Morocco, the defeat represents another painful disappointment after finishing runners-up in the 2022 edition and again reaching the final in 2024.
The 2026 WAFCON final will therefore produce a new champion, with both Cameroon and Malawi seeking their first continental title.
