Morocco’s ‘AI-Like’ Pitches Steal the Show at AFCON 2025: A Triumph of Engineering
In a rare moment of cross-border commendation, Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji, known for his often critical stance on Morocco, expressed profound amazement at the pristine condition of Moroccan football pitches during AFCON 2025. Covering the Cameroon-South Africa quarter-final from Rabat’s newly renovated Al Madina Stadium, Derradji remarked, “The rain looks like it’s generated by artificial intelligence in Morocco’s stadiums.” This surprising praise highlights a significant leap in sports infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality gameplay even under torrential downpours.
The Revolutionary Technology Behind Flawless Fields
SubAir Drainage and Hybrid Grass: A Game-Changing Combination
The secret to Morocco’s seemingly impervious pitches lies in a sophisticated blend of British SubAir pitch technology and cutting-edge hybrid grass. This revolutionary system is capable of removing excess water an astonishing 36 times faster than conventional drainage methods. The SubAir system, developed by Bernhard Company, utilizes powerful pumps and blowers connected to an intricate network beneath the turf. It not only rapidly extracts surplus water but also injects fresh air into the soil, nourishing grass roots and expelling harmful gases. This active control over subsurface conditions allows turf managers to maintain optimal playing surfaces that recover almost instantly after heavy rainfall.
Engineered for Excellence: The Multi-Layered Approach
Stadiums like Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah, which boasts Africa’s first hybrid grass pitch, exemplify this engineering marvel. These pitches combine natural grass with synthetic fibers, offering unparalleled stability for players while ensuring effective rainwater absorption. The construction involves multiple layers, including high-permeability sand, robust gravel foundations, and advanced drainage networks linked to the SubAir pumps and fans. Furthermore, rainwater collected by the system is stored in underground tanks, ready for later irrigation, showcasing a commitment to sustainability alongside performance.
Derradji’s Mixed Verdict: Beyond the Pitch
While Derradji’s admiration for Morocco’s infrastructure was clear, his commentary wasn’t entirely devoid of his characteristic candour. Following Morocco’s narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania, he took to social media platform X to criticize the Atlas Lions’ performance, stating they qualified “without convincing.” He attributed this to “media and crowd pressures” and noted the significant absence of midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, despite captain Achraf Hakimi’s positive influence.
During the Cameroon-South Africa match, Derradji also couldn’t resist a jab at South Africa’s Belgian coach, Hugo Broos, when his team trailed 2-0. “Move something… move your hands, move your eyes, move your eyebrows, your team is losing by two goals,” he quipped. Cameroon ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, setting up a quarter-final clash with Morocco. Regardless of the on-field drama, Morocco’s investment in state-of-the-art stadium technology guarantees that future matches will be played on optimal surfaces, free from the disruptions of adverse weather.
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