Cameroon goalkeeper Bihina inspires historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Malawi

Cameroon and Malawi will meet in an unprecedented Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, with both sides seeking the first continental title in their history at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The final will bring together two teams who have taken contrasting routes to the showpiece. Cameroon have reached the last two after three previous final defeats, in 2004, 2014 and 2016, while Malawi are appearing at the tournament for the first time and are dreaming of lifting the trophy at their first attempt.

Cameroon began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Mali, Marie Ngah scoring both goals. The forward then decided their second group match against Ghana, converting the penalty that secured a 1-0 victory.

A 1-1 draw with Cape Verde followed, but the result was enough for the Indomitable Lionesses to finish top of their group on seven points.

Their quarter-final brought one of the biggest results of the tournament. Cameroon eliminated defending champions Nigeria 1-0, with Maeva Nyadjou scoring from a free-kick in the 19th minute.

Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina played a crucial role in that victory, making nine saves. She was decisive again in the semi-final against hosts Morocco, saving a penalty in extra time before producing three further stops in the shootout as Cameroon progressed 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw.

Cameroon therefore remain unbeaten after five matches. They have scored five goals and conceded only two, with Bihina’s performances providing the foundation for their run to the final.

Malawi’s attacking threat

Malawi made an immediate statement in their opening match by coming from behind to defeat Nigeria 3-2. Temwa Chawinga scored twice and her sister Tabitha Chawinga added the other goal.

The Scorchers followed that result with a 3-1 victory over Egypt, but suffered a 2-1 defeat by Zambia in their final group match.

They responded in the knockout stages by overturning Ghana 2-1 in the quarter-finals, then beat Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals. Tabitha Chawinga scored twice against Algeria, while Temwa added her fifth goal of the tournament.

With 11 goals in five matches, Malawi have the more productive attack of the two finalists. Much of that threat has come from the Chawinga sisters, whose combined scoring has carried Malawi to a final that few outside their camp expected before the competition began.

Cameroon will hope their defensive resilience and Bihina’s penalty-shootout heroics can finally deliver a first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown after three unsuccessful final appearances. Malawi, meanwhile, are one victory away from completing a remarkable debut by winning the competition at their first attempt.

The Cameroon-Malawi final will be followed live with commentary on Afrik-Foot.

The article is by Romain Lantheaume. He says he fell in love with African football through Didier Drogba before discovering Afrik-Foot in 2013, and that the two have remained closely connected ever since.