Why Michaely Bihina is the keeper making waves at Wafcon

What the report says

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina has emerged as one of the standout players at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, according to BBC Africa. Fans in Cameroon have even called for a statue in her honour after her performances helped the Indomitable Lionesses reach the final for the first time since 2016.

BBC reported that the 22-year-old was named player of the match against Nigeria in the quarter-finals, where she made nine saves in a 1-0 win that also secured Cameroon a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the semi-final against hosts Morocco in Rabat, she saved a penalty in extra time and then stopped three more in the shootout, helping Cameroon win 3-1 and book a final against Malawi.

Bihina, who plays for Benfica, has kept three clean sheets in five tournament matches. The BBC article said she began her career as a striker before switching to goalkeeper, later moving from Racing Power to Benfica in February on a three-year deal. Her rise matters because it has ended Cameroon’s long wait for a Wafcon final and revived hopes of a first continental title after three previous final defeats, all to Nigeria. More broadly, it highlights the growing profile of women’s football in Cameroon and across Africa.