Michaely Bihina’s penalty heroics put Cameroon goalkeeper in contention for Women’s AFCON award

Michaely Bihina has emerged as one of the defining figures of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after inspiring Cameroon past Nigeria and Morocco, leaving her as the leading candidate for the tournament’s best-player prize.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper produced another decisive display in the semi-final against Morocco, saving a late extra-time penalty before stopping three efforts in the shootout as Cameroon progressed 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw.

Her performance ended Morocco’s hopes of reaching a third successive final. The Atlas Lionesses had finished runners-up in the previous two editions, but Bihina proved the difference in a tightly contested match that remained scoreless after 120 minutes.

She had already established herself as a quarter-final hero against Nigeria, making nine saves during Cameroon’s 1-0 victory and receiving the player of the match award. Against Morocco, she raised her level again when the stakes were even higher.

Bihina first denied Fatima Tagnaout from the penalty spot towards the end of extra time. She then saved three penalties during the shootout, allowing Cameroon to seal a place in an unexpected but highly attractive final against Malawi.

Two knockout matches, two outstanding performances and two player of the match awards have made Bihina’s influence difficult to overlook.

Her displays have also turned her into a popular figure back home. Former Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa described her as “la gardienne du peuple” – “the people’s goalkeeper” – after the semi-final victory.

Cameroon goalkeeping great Thomas Nkono also praised the team following the win over Morocco, saying: « Vous etes la fierte de tout un pays ! »

Bihina’s growing status has even been reflected on social media, where her face has been placed on mock CFA franc banknotes. The images underline how quickly she has acquired an almost iconic profile during the tournament.

The enthusiasm also connects her with Cameroon’s long tradition of producing outstanding goalkeepers, from Nkono and Joseph-Antoine Bell to Jacques Songo’o, Carlos Kameni and Andre Onana.

At this stage, there appear to be few players capable of challenging Bihina for the individual award. The strongest alternative may come from Malawi’s sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga if their side wins the final.

Temwa Chawinga has scored five goals and provided two assists, while Tabitha Chawinga has four goals. Their attacking contribution has been central to Malawi’s historic run, and that influence could carry significant weight when the votes are counted.

Bihina, however, can point to a particularly powerful case. She has directly changed the outcome of Cameroon’s two most important matches, first with her saves against Nigeria and then through her penalty heroics against Morocco.

Cameroon’s run has also provided a major boost for the country’s football. The women’s team has reached the final only weeks after the Indomitable Lions missed out on the 2026 World Cup, while their progress could have an equally important impact on the development of women’s football domestically.

One match remains: a final between Cameroon and Malawi that few would have predicted, but which offers a compelling conclusion to the competition.

Should Bihina produce another performance of the same level, the debate over the tournament’s best player may be settled before the final whistle.