What Are The Biggest Rivalries of African Football

Football is greatly appreciated in the African continent. For its fair share of beautiful, exciting, and historical moments, the beautiful game is known for the intense rivalry between nations and clubs that captivate the football faithful continentally and globally. These rivalries provide pride, culture, and historical aspects, all contributing to forming the continental bond. Jollof Derby or the Soweto Derby are not just any other games. They deliver electrifying performances, and with bragging rights in the picture, there is more to look forward to. 

 

We look at the top five (5) biggest rivalries of African football. The good news is that after you review them and with the knowledge you'll gain, you can make smarter bets on them and other top AFCON, CAF, and African leagues. For additional help to get you started, here you can find a promo code.

 

 

The derby between Nigeria and Ghana national football teams is one to behold. Jollof is a cultural dish shared between the two countries, with the rivalry built on who makes the best Jollof dish. Beyond the culinary side, the rivalry is built on historical, economic, and cultural roots, with even music being a rivalry aspect. 

 

The two teams have met 56+ times, including friendlies, with Ghana coming out on top with 25+ wins, compared to the 12+ wins recorded by Nigeria. While Nigeria has enjoyed more success in the World Cup scene, the two sides have met in other continental tournaments, including AFCON, WAFU, and Olympic games. From the high-octane games, remarkable celebrations, and high-level mockery, there is every ingredient you need in the Jollof Derby .

 

 

South Africa is heavy on sports, and even after their exploits in the Rugby World Cup, they are still a destination for football, with Soweto Derby providing another intense rivalry to behold. The derby is between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, two of the most successful football clubs in South Africa.

 

The two clubs in Johannesburg go toe-to-toe in the 90,000-seater FNB Stadium, allowing as many football faithful to enjoy the experience, donning colorful costumes and carrying the famous vuvuzelas. There have been 175+ matches played between these two clubs, with Kaizer Chiefs emerging on top with 72+ wins, compared to the 44+ wins by Orlando Pirates. Five games have been abandoned in the past for several reasons, including notable incidents like the Ellis Park disaster in 2001, where 43 people lost their lives after a stampede, and the Oppenheimer Stadium Disaster in 1991, resulting in 42 deaths.

 

 

North Africa is another hub for passionate fans, just like South Africa. The Cairo derby is a supremacy battle between Al Ahly and Zamalek, two of the most successful teams, making it the biggest derby in Egypt. The derby is so fierce that fights have broken out, people tore into each other, and every kind of violence that games between these teams are now played behind closed doors on neutral ground, Cairo’s main stadium.

 

It is a rivalry rooted deep down, and players cannot dare cross the city divide to wear their rival's red or white colors. A scenario where Carlos Tevez moves from Man United to Man City or Mancini from Inter Milan to AC Milan is nearly non-existent. It is a derby that goes beyond religion and ideology and is one of the most-watched derbies. Since 2005, the teams have played over 50 games, with Zamalek winning six (6) games and Al Ahly coming on top with 28 wins.

 

 

Since their founding a year apart, the rivalry between Club Africain, established in 1920, and Esperance, established in 1919, has been hot on passion and enthusiasm. The two teams from Tunisia borrow a leaf from the Milan derby, with the teams coming from the same city and playing their home games in one stadium, Stade El Menzah.

 

Beyond the football side, the Tunis derby is seen as a clash of classes between the lower class of Esperance and the upper class of Club Africain. But with Esperance's achievements, performances, and results, the faithful feel the lower class tag should not be used on them. The past 36+ matches between the two have ended with Esperance winning 16+ matches, ten-plus (10+) wins for Club Africain, and a draw in 10 matches.

 

 

It is arguably the biggest derby with hostile rivalry in East Africa. The rivalry pits Yanga vs Simba, two of Tanzania's most famous football clubs. The derby sees thousands flock from neighboring countries like Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi to witness the battle.

 

With over 100 matches between them since 1965, the Dar’es Salaam derby has stood the test of time and remains among the most closely contested rivalries. It is a contest filled with emotions, high-octane intensity, and fan banter. Of the 100+ times they have met, Yanga has come on top with 36+ wins, and Simba claimed 26+ victories, with 37+ draws between them.