Marrakech – Unusually, Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji commended Moroccan stadium infrastructure during his coverage of the Cameroon-South Africa match on Sunday at the newly renovated Al Madina Stadium in Rabat’s Agdal district.
The BeIN Sports commentator, typically critical of Morocco, expressed his amazement at how playing surfaces remained unaffected despite heavy rainfall during AFCON 2025.
“The rain looks like it’s generated by artificial intelligence in Morocco’s stadiums,” Derradji said while commenting on the match in Rabat. “When you see the pitch completely unaffected by rain, you think what we’re seeing on screen is artificial intelligence. Of course, it’s not AI, but it’s a divine blessing.”
The observation came as torrential rain fell during the Cameroon-South Africa quarter-final, yet both teams played with complete comfort. Players maintained their balance, and the ball moved smoothly across the surface throughout the 90 minutes.
Morocco’s stadiums utilize SubAir pitch technology by British firm Bernhard Company, which provides active control over subsurface drainage conditions. The system employs pumps and blowers connected to underground drainage networks. It removes excess water up to 36 times faster than traditional gravity drainage systems.
The technology pushes fresh air into soil to feed grass roots, removes harmful gases, and extracts surplus water rapidly. This gives turf managers complete control over subsurface conditions, creating optimal playing surfaces that recover quickly after heavy rainfall.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, for instance, features Africa’s first hybrid grass pitch, combining natural grass with synthetic fibers. The artificial fibers maintain surface stability when players run or slide, while natural grass absorbs rainwater effectively.
The engineering relies on multiple layers, including high-permeability sand, drainage networks linked to pumps and fans, and gravel foundations for stability. Rainwater gets collected in underground tanks for later irrigation use.
However, Derradji’s commentary wasn’t entirely positive toward the tournament hosts. Following Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Tanzania, he criticized the Atlas Lions’ performance on his X social media account.
“The Moroccan national team qualified for the AFCON quarter-finals without convincing, after edging past a modest Tanzania side with a narrow 1-0 victory,” Derradji wrote. “Media and crowd pressures are increasingly affecting Morocco’s performance, especially in knockout matches.”
He noted that midfielder Azzedine Ounahi’s absence due to injury was significant, though captain Achraf Hakimi’s presence provided technical and moral benefits.
During the Cameroon-South Africa match, Derradji also mocked 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 said.
Cameroon eventually won 2-1, with South Africa scoring a late consolation goal in the 88th minute.
Morocco faces Cameroon in Friday’s quarter-final, with stadium technology ensuring optimal playing conditions regardless of weather.
