Football in Africa is never just football. These are the rivalries where history, pride and bragging rights are on the line every time.
Al Ahly vs Zamalek (Egypt)
The Cairo derby is one of the biggest club matches in the world. Two of the most successful clubs in African continental history, they split the city in two, and the atmosphere is so intense that the fixture has often been played without fans or at neutral venues.
Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
The Soweto derby. Chiefs were founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung, a former Pirates player, and the rivalry has been the heartbeat of South African football ever since.
Asante Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak (Ghana)
Kumasi against Accra, the two most decorated clubs in Ghana. When they meet, the country stops.
Espérance vs Club Africain (Tunisia)
The Tunis derby brings colour, flares and some of the loudest crowds anywhere in Africa.
Nigeria vs Ghana
The “Jollof derby” on the pitch. The West African neighbours have competed for decades, and every meeting carries extra weight, along with the endless argument about whose jollof rice is better.
Egypt vs Algeria
One of the most heated international rivalries in the game, made legendary by the tense 2009 World Cup qualifying play-off in Omdurman, Sudan, which Algeria won to reach South Africa 2010.
Morocco vs Algeria
A neighbourly rivalry with deep history and huge passion on both sides, and one that has grown with Morocco’s rise into a world football power after their run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
Which one is the biggest?
Let us know your pick, and which rivalry we left out.
