Michaely Bihina: The Goalkeeping Hero Driving Cameroon’s WAFCON Revival

One name has become the toast of Cameroon following her heroics at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Some in the Central African nation are already calling for a statue to be built in honour of Michaely Bihina after her incredible performances helped the Indomitable Lionesses reach the final for the first time since 2016.

The young goalkeeper has been one of the tournament’s standout stars, earning player-of-the-match honours against Nigeria in the quarter-finals and hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.

“I’m very happy and full of emotions because for our generation it’s the first time to play the final,” she told the BBC World Service after saving four penalties—one in extra time and three in the subsequent shootout—during Wednesday’s semi-final victory over the Moroccans. “We thank all the people who support us.”

The 22-year-old made nine saves against Nigeria, setting a finals record for the most in a single match as Cameroon dethroned the defending champions—a victory that also secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Bihina described it as “a great day for Cameroonian football.”

“Playing in my first WAFCON and being able to beat Nigeria and qualify for the World Cup is historic,” she told the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “I am so excited and happy that as a team we have achieved this. We had an objective—to change the history of our national team against Nigeria.”

Cameroon have previously lost three WAFCON finals, all against Nigeria (2004, 2014, and 2016), but will now face debutants Malawi for the continental crown on Sunday (19:00 GMT). Bihina has been at the heart of the Indomitable Lionesses’ challenge, keeping three clean sheets in five matches.

Source link