At the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Kyria Bihina has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been at the centre of Cameroon’s remarkable run to the WAFCON final, producing performances that have earned her widespread praise and established her as one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in African women’s football.
The Night She Stopped Nigeria
Bihina’s biggest moment of the tournament came in Cameroon’s quarter-final against Nigeria.
Nigeria dominated large portions of the match and repeatedly threatened the Cameroonian goal. But every time the Super Falcons appeared close to scoring, Bihina was there.
She made nine saves, including several crucial stops that kept Cameroon in front after Myriam Maéva Nyadjou Wamen’s goal.
One of her most impressive moments came when she produced a spectacular save to deny Uchenna Kanu.
Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award. At the final whistle, her teammates celebrated by carrying her on their shoulders.
A Wall Between the Posts
Bihina’s performance against Nigeria was more than just the number of saves.
She was credited with nine saves, three clear chances denied and 2.93 expected goals prevented, according to Flashscore’s match analysis. She also made important aerial claims and clearances as Nigeria continued to apply pressure.
It was the kind of performance that can change the course of a tournament.
And for Cameroon, it did exactly that.
The 1–0 victory eliminated Nigeria and sent Cameroon into the WAFCON semi-finals, while also securing their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
From Cameroon to the International Stage
Born on December 28, 2003, Bihina began developing her career in Cameroon.
She made her top-flight debut with Canon of Yaoundé before moving to Éclair FF de Sa’a, where she established herself as a goalkeeper.
Interestingly, Bihina’s football journey has not always been limited to standing between the posts. Reports from her early career indicate that she was occasionally deployed further forward, demonstrating her versatility and ability with the ball.
She also represented Cameroon at youth level before progressing to the senior national team.
A Young Goalkeeper With International Experience
Bihina’s breakthrough did not happen overnight.
At just 15 years old, she was part of the Cameroonian team that won a silver medal at the 2019 African Games in Rabat.
She later made her senior international debut for Cameroon in September 2023, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Kenya.
Her development has continued through club football in Europe, where she has gained valuable experience competing at a higher level.
From Promise to WAFCON Star
What makes Bihina’s current performances particularly impressive is her age.
At only 22, she is already playing a central role in one of the biggest moments in Cameroon’s women’s football history.
Her calmness under pressure, shot-stopping ability and confidence with the ball have made her an important part of the Indomitable Lionesses’ success.
After the victory over Nigeria, Bihina was quick to deflect attention away from herself and praise her teammates.
“It’s the work of the whole team, not just mine.”
That response says a lot about the mentality behind her performances.
Another Heroic Night Against Morocco
Bihina’s tournament did not stop with Nigeria.
In the semi-final against Morocco, Cameroon again relied on their goalkeeper during another dramatic encounter.
The match finished 0–0 after 120 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout. Cameroon eventually won 3–1 on penalties, with Bihina playing a crucial role as the Indomitable Lionesses booked their place in the final.
That means the goalkeeper who helped eliminate Nigeria also played a key role in sending Cameroon past the hosts and into the championship match.
Cameroon Now Face Malawi
Bihina’s next challenge will be the biggest of the tournament.
Cameroon will face Malawi in the WAFCON final.
It will be a fascinating contest between an established African football powerhouse and a Malawian team appearing in its first-ever WAFCON final.
For Bihina, it is an opportunity to complete what has already been an extraordinary tournament.
The Making of a Star
Michaely Bihina arrived at WAFCON 2026 as a young goalkeeper with considerable potential.
She is leaving the tournament as something much more.
She has become one of the faces of Cameroon’s remarkable campaign, earned Player of the Match recognition, produced one of the tournament’s most memorable goalkeeping performances against Nigeria and helped Cameroon reach the final.
Whether Cameroon ultimately lift the trophy or not, Michaely Bihina has already announced herself on the African women’s football stage.
At 22, her best years may still be ahead of her. And if her performances at WAFCON 2026 are anything to go by, African football may have just witnessed the emergence of its next great goalkeeper.
