WAFCON 2026: Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina wins Golden Glove after historic title triumph

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina has been named the winner of the Golden Glove at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after playing a key role in the Indomitable Lionesses’ historic first continental title.

The 22-year-old was one of the standout performers of the tournament, combining composure with crucial saves at decisive moments as Cameroon went all the way to the trophy.

Her performances in the knockout stages proved particularly influential.

Nine saves help Cameroon eliminate Nigeria

Bihina produced one of her best performances in Cameroon’s quarter-final against defending champions Nigeria.

The goalkeeper made nine saves to help the Indomitable Lionesses secure a 1-0 victory and eliminate Africa’s record 10-time champions.

The result also gave Bihina her second clean sheet of the tournament and demonstrated her importance to Cameroon’s defensive organisation.

Three penalty saves send Cameroon into final

Bihina was decisive again in the semi-final against hosts Morocco.

The match remained goalless after 120 minutes, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.

After making three saves during the match itself, Bihina became the central figure in the shootout, stopping three Moroccan penalties as Cameroon won 3-1.

That performance made her the first Cameroon goalkeeper to save three penalties in a TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON shootout.

She was subsequently named Woman of the Match for the second consecutive knockout game.

Golden Glove caps remarkable tournament

Across the quarter-final and semi-final, Bihina made 12 saves without conceding a goal, earning the Woman of the Match award in both games.

She completed the tournament with another clean sheet in the final as Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 to lift the trophy for the first time.

Her consistency between the posts provided a strong foundation for Cameroon’s historic campaign and ultimately earned the 22-year-old the Golden Glove award.

Bihina’s contribution has therefore become one of the defining stories of Cameroon’s breakthrough WAFCON triumph, with her performances proving crucial when the pressure was at its highest.