AFCON
How Technology Helped Morocco Beat the Rains at AFCON 2025
As torrential rains sweep across several host cities, the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been unfolding under one of the most demanding weather backdrops in the competition’s history. Yet, while the skies have opened relentlessly, the pitches have held firm — a feat made possible by cutting-edge technology quietly operating beneath the grass.
A report by Moroccan publication Le 360 has lifted the lid on how the Kingdom of Morocco employed advanced pitch-management systems.
This technology, employed by Morocco, has become an unsung hero of AFCON 2025, ensuring that matches proceed without disruption despite prolonged and intense rainfall.
Technology Beneath the Turf
At the heart of this success is the SubAir system, a state-of-the-art drainage and aeration solution installed in key Moroccan stadiums.
Rain or shine, Morocco’s stadiums deliver as AFCON 2025 continues without disruption. Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Photo by Earth Photart via Pexels
Unlike traditional gravity-based drainage systems, which rely on passive water flow through slopes and filter layers, SubAir works dynamically, actively managing both water and air beneath the playing surface.
The system uses a network of pipes laid beneath the root zone of the natural grass, connected to pressure units fitted with industrial-grade pumps and high-efficiency fans.
These units allow grounds managers to manipulate pressure below the turf — either drawing water out or forcing air in — depending on prevailing conditions.
During heavy rainfall, SubAir switches into suction mode. Excess water is rapidly pulled through the soil pores into underground pipes, preventing waterlogging and stopping moisture from breaking through to the surface. The result is a pitch that remains firm, stable and playable even as rain continues to fall.
Built to Absorb the Deluge
The absorption capacity of the system is particularly striking. Beneath the pitches lie interlocking plastic modules that create vast underground cavities capable of temporarily storing between 600,000 and more than one million litres of water.
This reservoir-like structure allows for immediate drainage during downpours, followed by controlled filtration and gradual release of water — even under sustained torrential conditions.
Such capacity has proved vital at AFCON 2025, where several venues have been subjected to hours of continuous rainfall without compromising match schedules or playing standards.
SubAir’s role extends beyond water management. By reversing airflow, the system can inject oxygen directly into the root zone of the grass. This forced aeration improves root health, prevents asphyxiation, reduces soil compaction and supports rapid turf regeneration. The outcome is a dense, uniform playing surface that meets elite performance requirements across the entire pitch.
Passing the Ultimate Test
Since the tournament kicked off, the technology has passed its sternest examination. Despite persistent rain at multiple venues, no match has been delayed or abandoned due to pitch conditions.
Playing surfaces at the Grand Stade de Tanger, the Stade Olympique de Rabat, and the Moulay Abdellah Complex have consistently met — and in many cases exceeded — standards set by CAF and FIFA.
Players, coaches and officials have all benefitted from surfaces that allow for fluid football, accurate passing and reduced injury risk, even under adverse weather.
A Lasting AFCON Legacy
In an era where pitch quality has become a decisive factor in hosting international tournaments, Morocco’s investment in SubAir technology positions its stadiums among the technical benchmarks on the African continent. Beyond AFCON 2025, the infrastructure represents a long-term legacy — one aligned with the Kingdom’s broader ambition to host major global sporting events.
While goals, tactics and results dominate headlines, AFCON 2025 is also telling a quieter story — one of innovation beneath the surface, where technology, not the weather, is dictating the terms of play.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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