Michaely Bihina: The Benfica Keeper Who Became Cameroon's Wafcon Hero

In a tournament full of dramatic storylines, no player has captured the imagination of the continent quite like Cameroon's 22-year-old goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. From saving a penalty in extra time to stopping three more in a shootout against hosts Morocco, she has transformed the Indomitable Lionesses' fortunes and become the toast of a football-mad nation.

Bihina's Heroics Propel Cameroon to Historic Wafcon Final

Yaounde, Cameroon — The calls for a statue in honour of Michaely Bihina are growing louder across Cameroon, and for good reason. The young goalkeeper has been the defining figure of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), guiding her nation to their first final since 2016 with a series of breathtaking performances that have announced her as a genuine star of African football.

A Semi-Final for the Ages in Rabat

Wednesday's semi-final against hosts Morocco was a tense, cagey affair in Rabat, with few clear-cut chances separating the two sides as the match drifted into extra time. But with just two minutes remaining in the additional period, the Atlas Lionesses were awarded a penalty after Cameroon defender Maryam Nyadjou caught Sakina Ouzraoui in the face with her arm.

Fatima Tagnaout stepped up to take the 118th-minute spot kick, but Bihina read the situation perfectly, diving to her right to push the ball away and send the tie to a shootout. It was a moment of pure instinct and preparation, the kind that defines tournament legends.

"When I saved the first penalty during the game, I said inside my mind if we go to penalties I think I can do more," Bihina told the BBC World Service. She was as good as her word, keeping out efforts from Kenza Chapelle, Maryame Atiq and Ouzraoui to help her team to a 3-1 shootout victory.

Preparation and Study Behind the Saves

Bihina's heroics were no accident. The Benfica keeper revealed a meticulous approach to her craft, one that has set her apart from her peers at this tournament.

"I studied the penalties of Morocco girls during all the competition," she said afterwards, explaining the foresight that allowed her to anticipate the shootout takers' intentions. This level of preparation, combined with her natural athleticism, has made her a formidable last line of defence.

"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, reflecting on a moment that has been decades in the making for Cameroon. The victory over Morocco was not just about reaching a final; it was about rewriting a narrative of near-misses and heartbreak that has haunted the Indomitable Lionesses for years.

Dethroning Nigeria and Booking a World Cup Ticket

Before the semi-final heroics, Bihina had already etched her name into Wafcon history with a quarter-final performance for the ages. Cameroon faced defending champions Nigeria, a team that had been their nemesis in three previous Wafcon finals (2004, 2014 and 2016).

Bihina made nine saves against the Super Falcons, setting a record for the most in a single match at the finals. The 1-0 victory did more than just dethrone the champions; it secured Cameroon's place at the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil, a monumental achievement for a team that had missed the 2024 Wafcon entirely.

"It was a great day for Cameroonian football," Bihina said. "Playing in my first Wafcon and being able to beat Nigeria and qualify for the World Cup is historic. 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."

From Striker to Shot-Stopper: An Unlikely Journey

Bihina's path to becoming the continent's most talked-about goalkeeper began in an unlikely place. Born in Ekounou, in the Nkoldongo area of Cameroon's capital Yaounde, on 28 December 2003, she started her football career as a striker. But her coach saw something different in the young player.

"My coach told me that I was too tall to be a striker and that I would do better as a goalkeeper," Bihina told the Confederation of African Football (Caf), describing her rapid rise to the top after switching positions. "I did that and six months later I was summoned to the national team."

It was a meteoric rise that would take her from the streets of Yaounde to the top of European football. At just 15 years old, she joined Portuguese club Racing Power, where she helped them win the second tier league title in the 2022-23 season. The following season, she was named the top flight's best goalkeeper as her side finished third in the table.

A Dream Move to Benfica

This February, Bihina made a move that would elevate her career to new heights, signing for Portuguese giants Benfica on a three-year deal. She described the transfer as "a dream come true," and she has already made an immediate impact, winning a league and cup double with the Lisbon club.

The move to Benfica has provided her with the platform to compete at the highest level of club football, and she has carried that confidence into the national team setup. Her performances at Wafcon have been a testament to her development, with three clean sheets in five matches during Cameroon's unbeaten run to the final.

"For me personally, it has been a long journey of hard work and discipline," she said. "I continue to work with humility and try to improve every day."

A Final Showdown with the Chawinga Sisters

Bihina's remarkable tournament now faces its ultimate test. On Sunday (19:00 GMT), Cameroon will face debutants Malawi for the continental crown, a team spearheaded by the formidable Chawinga sisters. Tabitha and Temwa have been the revelations of the tournament, with younger sibling Temwa leading the goalscoring charts with five goals and two assists, while Tabitha has contributed four goals.

The final represents a clash of narratives: Cameroon's quest to end years of final heartbreak against a Malawi side playing with the freedom of first-time finalists. Bihina is widely considered a contender for player of the tournament alongside the Chawinga sisters, and a strong performance in the final could seal the individual honour.

"We try to give our best like every game. We know we will challenge," Bihina said, keeping her focus firmly on the collective goal. Cameroon have previously lost three Wafcon finals, all against Nigeria, and the chance to finally lift the trophy would be a historic moment for the nation.

A Star Born on the Continental Stage

Whatever happens in Sunday's final, Bihina has already written her name in the Wafcon history books. Her journey from a tall striker in Yaounde to the hero of Cameroon's run to the final is a story of determination, adaptability and sheer talent.

For a nation that has waited a decade to return to a Wafcon final, Bihina has become more than just a goalkeeper; she is a symbol of hope and a source of national pride. The calls for a statue may be premature, but they reflect the profound impact she has had on the country's footballing psyche.

Claiming the title against Malawi would be the icing on the cake, capping spectacular displays that have announced the goalkeeper as a star of the women's game on the continent. But regardless of the result, Michaely Bihina has already achieved something remarkable: she has made Cameroon believe again.

By Amara Diop, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Sources: BBC Sport.