Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses have produced one of the biggest moments of WAFCON 2026, defeating hosts Morocco 3–1 on penalties after a dramatic goalless semi-final in Rabat to reach the tournament final.
The victory came after 120 minutes of intense football in which neither side could find the breakthrough. Cameroon held their nerve when the match went to penalties, silencing a home crowd that had hoped to see Morocco reach the final on home soil.
A Battle That Went to the Limit.
The semi-final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium was a tense contest from start to finish.
Morocco enjoyed the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters, while Cameroon entered the match with growing confidence after eliminating defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals. Neither team managed to score during normal time, forcing the match into extra time.
The drama increased late in the game when Morocco were awarded a penalty. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a crucial save in the 118th minute to keep the score level and send the match towards a shootout.
Bihina Becomes the Hero.
When the penalty shootout arrived, Bihina once again became the difference. The 22-year-old goalkeeper saved three Morocco penalties, producing a remarkable performance when Cameroon needed her most.
Her saves gave the Lionesses the advantage and allowed Cameroon to complete a 3–1 victory in the shootout. Teenage defender Maryam Nyadjou then held her nerve to convert the decisive penalty, sending Cameroon into the final.
Cameroon Break a Historic Barrier.
The victory carries particular significance because Cameroon had never previously defeated a WAFCON host nation. Before this match, the Lionesses had faced host countries six times at the tournament, recording one draw and five defeats.
Their victory over Morocco therefore represents a major breakthrough for Cameroonian women’s football. It also ends another difficult chapter in the team’s history, coming only days after Cameroon defeated Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
From Nigeria to Morocco.
Cameroon’s journey through the knockout stage has been remarkable. The Lionesses eliminated defending champions Nigeria with a 1–0 victory in the quarter-finals before facing another major challenge against tournament hosts Morocco.
The team has now overcome two of Africa’s strongest women’s football nations in consecutive knockout rounds. Both victories have also secured Cameroon’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, giving the team an additional reason to celebrate.
A New Generation Steps Forward.
The campaign has also highlighted the emergence of young Cameroonian talent. Nineteen-year-old defender Maryam Nyadjou has been one of the team’s standout players and has featured throughout the tournament.
Her decisive penalty against Morocco adds another major moment to an already impressive breakthrough campaign.
Together with Bihina and the rest of the squad, she represents a new generation carrying Cameroon’s women’s football into a new era.
One Match From Glory.
Cameroon have now reached the WAFCON final, standing just one victory away from continental glory. What began as a difficult tournament campaign has developed into one of the most memorable runs in the history of the Indomitable Lionesses.
After defeating Nigeria and then eliminating hosts Morocco on penalties, Cameroon have shown remarkable resilience, discipline and belief.
The Lionesses will now turn their attention to the final, where they will have the opportunity to complete one of the greatest stories in African women’s football.
Cameroon have already made history in Morocco. Now they are one match away from lifting the trophy.
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