CAN 2025: Rabat’s "AI" pitch amazes even Hafid Derradji

The image was striking. Despite the downpour, the ball rolled perfectly and the players maintained their footing without slipping. On the BeIN Sports microphone, Hafid Derradji, usually critical of Morocco, did not hide his astonishment: "The rain seems to be generated by artificial intelligence... When you see the pitch totally insensitive, you think it’s AI. It’s a divine blessing."

However, this "miracle" is not supernatural. It is based on the revolutionary SubAir drainage system. This British technology, installed in Moroccan stadiums, sucks up excess water 36 times faster than traditional systems. Coupled with a hybrid grass (a mix of natural and synthetic fibers), it allows for optimal playing conditions, even under the most violent storms.

Praise for the grass, jabs for the Lions

While Derradji praised the infrastructure, he was much less kind towards the national team. On the social network X, he judged Morocco’s qualification against Tanzania (1-0) as "unconvincing", believing that media pressure weighs heavily on the players’ shoulders in knockout matches.

In any case, for the explosive quarter-final scheduled for Friday between Morocco and Cameroon, one thing is guaranteed: the weather will not spoil the show. Moroccan technology will be on the lookout.