Bihina exploit: Cameroon eliminates Morocco and goes on
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina shone during the clash against Morocco, stopping a penalty in extra time before winning in the penalty shootout. The Indomitable Lionesses will play the final of the 2026 women's CAN against Malawi.
According to Sports.
Context
Michaely Bihina, 22-year-old goalkeeper, was key to Cameroon's qualification for the 2026 Women's CAN final. Her decisive penalty save and performance in the penalty shootout not only saved her team, but also highlighted her potential to become an iconic figure in African women's football.
Why it matters
Cameroon's victory against Morocco is a landmark moment for African women's football, highlighting the resilience of the Indomitable Lionesses. Michaely Bihina, in particular, demonstrated her talent as a goalkeeper, playing a crucial role in this qualification for the 2026 women's CAN final. This success also reinforces the importance of the competition for the development of women's CAN football in Africa.
Key points
- Feat of Bihina: Cameroon eliminates Morocco and goes on.
- Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina shone during the clash against Morocco, saving a penalty in extra time before winning in the penalty shootout.
- Keeper Bihina stars as Cameroon upset Morocco to make Wafcon final - Yahoo Sports.
In an electric atmosphere at the Moulay Hassan stadium in Rabat, Cameroon signed an authentic feat by winning its ticket for the final of the 2026 Women's African Cup of Nations (Wafcon). Facing the Moroccan host country, the Indomitable Lionesses relied on a great Michaely Bihina.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper first stopped a crucial penalty from Fatima Tagnaout in the 118th minute, saving her team from a cruel elimination in the final moments of extra time. The score was then 0-0 after 120 minutes played.
We had to wait for the penalty shootout to see Bihina definitively establish herself as the heroine of the evening: she successively deflected the attempts of Kenza Chappelle, Maryame Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui, leaving the Moroccan public speechless. In a tense atmosphere, young Cameroon defender Maryam Nyadjou showed remarkable composure to seal a 3-1 success in the penalty session.
Cameroon's qualification is all the more surprising as the selection had been eliminated during the preliminary rounds before being drafted thanks to its FIFA ranking, after the extension of the tournament to 16 teams by CAF. This unexpected journey propels them to the final, a first since 2016.
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Morocco, a credible outsider and unfortunate finalist in 2022, hoped to claim a first continental title at home, supported by the growth of local women's football and the recent recruitment of Jorge Vilda, world champion coach with Spain. But the Moroccans, dominant in mastering the game, were sorely lacking in effectiveness in the face of Cameroonian realism and the Bihina wall.
The match, tight and tactical, turned on a few decisive chances: Sanaa Mssoudy could have opened the scoring for the Atlas Lionesses in the 14th minute, but her shot hit the upright. Michaely Bihina also stood out with multiple saves during the match, like her XXL performance in the quarter-final against Nigeria.
In the final, the Indomitable Lionesses will face Malawi, defeaters of Algeria. Whoever wins, a new name will be included in the women's CAN rankings. Will Cameroon finally aim for the title after three lost finals? Answer Sunday.
Note the other issues of the tournament with Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa competing in the African play-offs for a place in the intercontinental play-offs of the 2027 World Cup.
The rest
Cameroon now prepare to face Malawi in the final, a match which could have a significant impact on their season and their status in African women's football. The Indomitable Lionesses will aim to win their first title since 2016, while Malawi will look to spring a surprise. This match will be decisive for the future of both teams in Wafcon and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Cameroon vs Morocco match?
The score was 0-0 after 120 minutes, and Cameroon won the penalty shootout 3-1.
How does Cameroon's victory impact the women's CAN ranking?
Cameroon's qualification for the 2026 women's CAN final marks their first appearance in the final since 2016.
Who was the key player in the match between Cameroon and Morocco?
Michaely Bihina was the key player, saving a crucial penalty and several shots on goal.
When is Cameroon's next match in the women's CAN final?
The date of the next match in the final is not specified in the article.
What was Cameroon's journey to reach the final?
Cameroon was eliminated during the
preliminary rounds but was drafted thanks to his FIFA ranking, which propelled them to the final.