Cameroon advanced to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating hosts Morocco 3–1 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after 120 minutes of play in Rabat.
The Indomitable Lionesses prevailed despite a historical disadvantage. Morocco had won their previous two AFCON semi-finals via shootouts, while Cameroon had lost all three of their prior attempts from the spot. The pattern broke decisively on Saturday, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina emerging as the decisive figure.
Bihina first denied Morocco’s Fatima Tagnaout from the penalty spot in the 118th minute of extra time, preserving the deadlock. She then saved three Moroccan penalties in the shootout itself, setting the platform for Maéva Nyadjou to convert the winning kick.
The victory sends Cameroon to a fourth Women’s AFCON final. The team previously reached the championship match in 2004, 2014 and 2016, finishing as runners-up on each occasion. They will face Malawi, who secured their first-ever final appearance earlier in the tournament.
For Morocco, the defeat extends a painful run on home soil. The Atlas Lionesses had targeted a first continental title in front of their supporters but fell at the penultimate hurdle for the second time in recent editions. The result underscores the fine margins that define knockout football, where a single moment — or a sequence of saves — can rewrite a tournament’s narrative.
Cameroon now turns its focus to the final, seeking to convert a history of near misses into a maiden continental crown.
