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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