Former South African international Stanton Fredericks has tipped Morocco to emerge victorious in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final following their semi-final triumph over Nigeria. The Atlas Lions secured their place in the championship match after a grueling 0-0 stalemate led to a 4-2 penalty shootout victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday night.
Failed spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi sealed the Super Eagles’ fate, ending their pursuit of a fourth continental crown and setting up a third-place play-off against Egypt this Saturday.
Morocco now prepares for a high-stakes final against the Teranga Lions of Senegal, who booked their ticket with a 1-0 win over the Pharaohs earlier that day. A second-half strike from Sadio Mané proved decisive for the defending champions, though they now face a host nation buoyed by intense home support. Analyzing the matchup on SuperSport, Fredericks highlighted the psychological and atmospheric advantages that Morocco currently enjoys, noting their ability to withstand Nigeria’s persistent offensive and defensive pressure throughout the semi-final.
“I just think that the host nation is playing this evening against a Nigerian side that stood for themselves. They never sat back, they never stopped defending and attacking. They defeated the Super Eagles because they have everything by their side, the home crowd. I think in this final, the home side will have the advantages and I think they’ll lift the trophy against Senegal. In as much as my heart says Senegal, my football brain says Morocco cannot lose against Senegal,” Fredericks stated during his punditry session.
The upcoming final represents a clash between the tournament’s most disciplined defensive unit and the resilient defending champions. While Nigeria must now motivate themselves for a bronze-medal fixture that holds little allure for Eric Chelle’s disappointed squad, Morocco enters the finale with the momentum of 69,500 fans in Rabat. Fredericks believes the “home advantage” will prove insurmountable for Senegal, as the Atlas Lions aim for their second ever AFCON title and their first since 1976.
As the tournament reaches its conclusion this Sunday, January 18, 2026, the focus shifts to whether Senegal’s veteran core can overcome the tactical structure and overwhelming support surrounding Walid Regragui’s team. Nigeria and Egypt will first contest the third-place match at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, serving as a final appearance for both North and West African giants before they exit the Moroccan stage.
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