On November 13, the newly opened Stade du Mail in Rabat witnessed an embarrassing moment due to heavy rain leaks that struck the Moroccan capital, sparking widespread debate on social media and within sports circles.
While the stadium’s modern infrastructure received praise, the rain exposed flaws in the roof, which is still in the final stages of completion in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The leaks occurred during a World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the same day, marking the stadium’s first practical test. Videos circulated on X (formerly Twitter) showed spectators using umbrellas and pins to fend off water, while leaks inundated press areas and upper seating, causing partial organizational confusion.
Some witnesses described the incident as “unexpected rain revealing structural fragility,” although it did not affect the match’s outcome, which ended with Cameroon winning 1-0.
### Semi-Official Reactions: Successful Test
Some people defended the stadium, asserting that the leaks were “expected” since the ETFE roof panels had not yet been fully sealed. In a statement to local media, a source from the federation confirmed that “this rain served as a final test for insulation, and the leaks will be repaired in just two weeks, ensuring the stadium is ready for the Africa Cup.”
Sources called the stadium a “architectural masterpiece” and claimed the incident was not a “blemish” but rather a “successful rehearsal” that helped identify issues early. On X, a defensive campaign emerged from Moroccan users who compared the incident to leaks experienced in more expensive European stadiums, such as Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and various venues during the European Championship. One user noted, “It’s good that the flaws at the Stade du Mail were revealed… Let’s not forget Germany during the last European Championship, as they worked to fix water drainage issues.”
However, the comments were not without criticism, as others described the situation as “new organizational confusion,” calling for an immediate investigation to ensure spectator safety.
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