Bihina's Heroics Propel Cameroon to Wafcon Final
Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina has led the Indomitable Lionesses to the 2026 Wafcon final and secured 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification. The 22-year-old Benfica star saved four penalties against Morocco in the semi-finals after setting a tournament record with nine saves against Nigeria.
The competitive atmosphere of the Wafcon 2026 has been intense, with Cameroon reaching their first final since 2016. Bihina’s performances have been a key factor in the team’s success, with three clean sheets in five matches. Her heroics in the semi-final against Morocco, where she saved a 118th-minute penalty and three more in the shootout, have made her a star of the tournament.
Michaely Bihina: The Rise of a Goalkeeping Sensation
Bihina began her career as a striker but switched to goalkeeper at the advice of her coach. She joined Portuguese club Racing Power aged 15 and helped them win the second-tier league title in 2022-23. The following season, Bihina was named the top flight’s best goalkeeper as her side finished third in the table. This February, she joined Benfica on a three-year deal, a move she described as “a dream come true,” and has already won a league and cup double with the Lisbon giants.
Bihina’s Strategic Importance to Cameroon
Bihina’s relationship with the team strategy has been crucial, with her saves and clean sheets providing a solid foundation for the Indomitable Lionesses to build on. Her ability to study and anticipate penalties has also been a key factor in her success, as evident in the semi-final against Morocco. As Cameroon prepares to face Malawi in the final, Bihina’s presence between the posts will be vital in determining the outcome of the match.
Bihina was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, on December 28, 2003. She started playing football as a striker but switched to goalkeeper at the advice of her coach. Her rapid rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, with her move to Benfica and subsequent success in the Wafcon 2026 cementing her status as one of the top goalkeepers in the women’s game.
“I’m very happy and full of emotions because for our generation it’s the first time to play the final,” Bihina told the BBC World Service after saving four penalties against Morocco.
As Cameroon prepares to face Malawi in the final, Bihina’s presence will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. With her heroics in the semi-final still fresh in the minds of fans, she will be looking to cap off an incredible tournament with a win in the final.
Cameroon’s success in the Wafcon 2026 has been a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. With Bihina leading the charge, the Indomitable Lionesses will be looking to put their previous Wafcon final heartbreaks behind them and claim the title. The final against Malawi promises to be an exciting match, with Bihina’s goalkeeping prowess pitted against the attacking might of the Chawinga sisters.
Bihina’s professional legacy is already being cemented, with her performances in the Wafcon 2026 earning her a reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the women’s game. As she looks to the future, she will be hoping to continue her success with Benfica and the Indomitable Lionesses, inspiring a new generation of female footballers in Cameroon and beyond.