Michaely Bihina was the hero as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses defeated hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties to reach the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a goalless semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday night.
The Cameroon goalkeeper produced a sensational performance in the decisive shootout, helping the Indomitable Lionesses hold their nerve after neither side could find a breakthrough during 120 minutes at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Morocco had a golden opportunity to settle the contest before penalties when Fatima Tagnaout stepped up from the spot in the 118th minute.
However, she failed to convert the late penalty, allowing Cameroon to survive a dramatic finish to extra time.
Cameroon eventually converted three of their four penalties through Marie Ngah, Rose Bella and Myriam Nyadjou to seal their place in the final.
Morocco scored only once through Hanane Aït El Haj, while Kenza Chapelle, Meryem Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui all missed their efforts.
Morocco Miss Golden Chance
The semi-final produced few clear-cut opportunities, with both teams adopting a cautious approach during regulation time.
Morocco enjoyed periods of possession and used the backing of their home supporters to push forward, but Cameroon remained compact and disciplined defensively.
The Atlas Lionesses increased the pressure after the break, with coach Jorge Vilda introducing fresh attacking options in search of the breakthrough.
Their biggest opportunity arrived in the 118th minute when Morocco were awarded a penalty.
Tagnaout stepped forward with the chance to send the hosts into the final, but her miss proved costly.
Cameroon held on through the remainder of extra time, forcing the semi-final into a penalty shootout.
Cameroon Hold Their Nerve
Hanane Aït El Haj converted Morocco’s opening penalty before Chapelle missed the hosts’ second attempt.
Marie Ngah then put Cameroon on the board, although Grace Mendoua missed the Indomitable Lionesses’ second kick.
Rose Bella restored Cameroon’s advantage, while Atiq failed to convert Morocco’s third attempt.
Nyadjou subsequently scored Cameroon’s fourth penalty before Ouzraoui missed Morocco’s final effort, confirming Cameroon’s 3-1 shootout victory.
The result also ended Cameroon’s previous struggles in WAFCON penalty shootouts, having lost their last three contests decided from the spot, including a semi-final defeat against Nigeria in 2018.
Cameroon Face Malawi in WAFCON Final
Cameroon will now face Malawi in the WAFCON 2026 final, with both nations seeking their first continental title in the tournament’s current era.
The Indomitable Lionesses have produced an impressive knockout run, eliminating defending champions Nigeria before overcoming hosts Morocco to book their place in the final.
For Morocco, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching a third consecutive WAFCON final and winning their first African title on home soil.
Cameroon, meanwhile, are now one victory away from being crowned African champions after a remarkable campaign that has seen them overcome two of the continent’s leading teams.
The Indomitable Lionesses will face Malawi in the final with the WAFCON crown at stake.
