Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses produced one of the standout results of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by eliminating hosts Morocco on penalties after a tense goalless semi-final in Rabat. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina emerged as the clear star of the night, saving a late extra-time penalty and three more in the shootout to secure a 3-1 victory from the spot and book Cameroon’s place in the final for the first time since 2016.
The match at the Moulay Hassan Stadium ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of hard-fought, low-scoring football. Cameroon now advance to face surprise package Malawi in Sunday’s final, while Morocco’s hopes of claiming a first continental title on home soil were ended in dramatic fashion.
A Night Defined by Goalkeeping Excellence
Michaely Bihina, the 22-year-old Cameroon shot-stopper who plays her club football with Benfica, delivered a performance that will be remembered for years. She had already earned widespread praise for her nine saves in the quarter-final upset of defending champions Nigeria. Against Morocco she raised the bar even higher.
In the 118th minute of extra time, Morocco were awarded a penalty that offered them a chance to seal victory in front of their home crowd. Substitute Fatima Tagnaout stepped up, but Bihina dived to her left and pushed the effort away. The save kept the contest level and forced the shootout that would decide the destination of a place in the WAFCON 2026 final.
When the penalties began, Bihina continued her outstanding display. She denied Kenza Chapelle, Maryame Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui, leaving the stadium in near silence. Morocco managed only one successful kick through Hanane Aït El Haj. Cameroon converted three of their four attempts, with Marie Ngah, Rose Bella and teenage defender Myriam Nyadjou finding the net. Grace Mendoua was the only Cameroonian to miss, but it proved irrelevant once Bihina’s saves had tilted the balance decisively.
The result marked a significant breakthrough for Cameroon, who had lost their previous three Women’s Africa Cup of Nations penalty shootouts, including a semi-final exit against Nigeria in 2018. This time the Indomitable Lionesses held their nerve when it mattered most.
How Cameroon Reached the Semi-Final
Cameroon’s path through the tournament has been marked by resilience and clinical finishing when required. They topped their group before producing a major upset by defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals. Myriam Nyadjou’s powerful free-kick provided the only goal of that match, while Bihina’s series of saves preserved the clean sheet against the ten-time champions.
That victory not only sent Cameroon into the last four but also secured automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The Indomitable Lionesses had not appeared at the global showpiece since 2019, so the result carried double significance.
Morocco, as hosts and heavy favourites, had reached consecutive finals in 2022 and 2024. They entered the semi-final looking to end their wait for a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. The Atlas Lionesses controlled much of the possession yet struggled to break down a well-organised Cameroon defence marshalled by Bihina. Clear chances were scarce on both sides, and the game remained locked at 0-0 through regular time and the additional 30 minutes.
Cameroon’s Final Record and What Lies Ahead
Cameroon have now reached the WAFCON final for the fourth time. On previous appearances they finished as runners-up in 2004, 2014 and 2016, the last of those defeats coming on home soil against Nigeria. The current squad, under coach Valentine Nguele, will attempt to end that long wait for a first continental crown.
Their opponents in the final will be Malawi, who continue to write one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament. The southern African side, making their debut at this level, defeated Algeria 3-1 in the other semi-final earlier on the same day. Malawi had already caused shocks by beating Ghana and progressing from a competitive group. The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, remain key threats that Cameroon must neutralise.
The final is scheduled for Sunday at 19:00 GMT. For Cameroon it represents an opportunity to complete a journey that has already included the elimination of both the defending champions and the hosts. For Malawi it offers the chance to claim an unlikely first title in their first appearance at the competition.
Broader Impact on Women’s African Football
The semi-final outcome highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football across the continent. Cameroon’s ability to overcome two of the traditional powerhouses in successive knockout rounds underlines the depth of talent emerging beyond the usual favourites. Goalkeepers of Bihina’s quality are increasingly capable of deciding high-stakes matches, and her performances have drawn attention well beyond African borders.
Morocco’s exit, while disappointing for the home supporters, does not erase the progress the team has made under Spanish coach Jorge Vilda. Reaching successive finals and hosting a well-organised tournament have raised the profile of the women’s game in North Africa. The Atlas Lionesses will now turn their attention to the third-place match and to preparations for future campaigns.
Meanwhile, Cameroon’s players can approach the final with confidence. They have already secured World Cup qualification and demonstrated the mental strength required to prevail from the penalty spot after 120 minutes of intense football. Bihina’s heroics have given the entire squad belief that a first WAFCON title is within reach.
As the Indomitable Lionesses prepare for Sunday’s showpiece, the focus remains on maintaining the defensive solidity and clinical edge that have carried them this far. Malawi will present a different challenge, built around pace and direct attacking play, yet Cameroon have shown throughout the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations that they are capable of adapting and rising to the occasion.
The final promises an intriguing contest between two sides that have exceeded expectations. Cameroon, with experience of the biggest stage and a goalkeeper in outstanding form, will start as favourites. Malawi, however, have already proven that rankings and history count for little when belief and organisation are strong. Whatever the outcome, the semi-final drama in Rabat has already delivered one of the defining nights of the tournament, with Michaely Bihina’s saves at its heart.
