In a thrilling semifinal match held on August 12, 2026, Cameroon eliminated Morocco from the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026, securing their place in the final after a tense 120 minutes that concluded in a 0-0 draw. The match was decided via a penalty shootout, where the Indomitable Lionesses showcased their prowess and emerged victorious with a score of 3-1. This remarkable win sets the stage for a highly anticipated final against Malawi on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The match took place at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, where Cameroon faced off against the host nation. Both teams demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, resulting in a stalemate as regulation time and extra time came to an end without any goals. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed the outcome, stating, "The Women's National Team 'A' suffered defeat against their Cameroonian counterparts in the penalty shootout (1-3) after a full-time and extra-time score of 0-0." They also mentioned that the Atlas Lionesses would compete for third place against Algeria the following Saturday.
During the extra time, Morocco had a golden opportunity to take the lead when awarded a penalty. However, Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina rose to the occasion, making a spectacular save that kept her team in contention for the final. Bihina's outstanding performance did not end there; during the penalty shootout, she demonstrated her skill by saving three Moroccan attempts, enabling the Indomitable Lionesses to clinch a 3-1 victory. This triumph means Cameroon will face Malawi in the final, a team that secured their spot earlier the same day by defeating Algeria 3-1, thanks to a remarkable brace from Tabitha Chawinga.
The upcoming final will feature two teams that have defied expectations, with Malawi making their debut in a Women's AFCON final, while Cameroon returns after eliminating the host nation. Both teams have also secured their places in the upcoming 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, adding further excitement to what promises to be a historic matchup.
As reported by afrik.com.
